Job Description Summary
Join the region’s leading ophthalmic care team at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where innovation meets compassion. We are currently hiring for multiple levels within our ophthalmic team, including Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), and Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).Entity
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)Worker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularCost Center
CC000683 CHS - Storm Eye Clinics (Main)Pay Rate Type
HourlyPay Grade
Health-22Scheduled Weekly Hours
40Work Shift
Day (United States of America)Job Description
Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA):
Performs a variety of general patient care activities and ophthalmic diagnostic tests and assists ophthalmologists during clinical exams. Responsibilities include preparing patients for visits, collecting medical histories, performing basic vision screenings, and supporting the clinical team with administrative and procedural tasks to ensure efficient patient care and workflow.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA):
Performs advanced medical history intake and a range of ophthalmic diagnostic tests including visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, and basic slit-lamp exams. Administers dilation drops, assists with minor in-office procedures, and documents clinical findings in the patient’s medical record. Ensures exam rooms are fully prepared, maintains equipment and instruments, and follows infection control and sterilization protocols. Provides patient support and helps manage clinical communication.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT):
Performs all COA-level functions with increased autonomy and technical proficiency. Conducts complex diagnostic testing, operates advanced ophthalmic instruments, and may assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care. Leads clinical workflow, mentors entry-level staff, and ensures high standards of patient care and clinic readiness. Serves as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients, enhancing overall clinic efficiency and experience
Additional Job Description
NCOA Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience: On the job training!!
Certification: COA required within 12 months of hire.
BLS: Basic Life Support certification required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
COA Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum of 1 year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
COT Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program.
Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).
BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)
Monday–Friday schedule – No weekends, no holidays
$2,000 sign-on bonus for external COA/COT applicants
Career growth opportunities within South Carolina’s premier eye care institute
Access to specialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology
Work at a facility that performs 3,500+ surgeries and sees 60,000+ patients annually across multiple locations
Charleston, SC – Storm Eye Institute (Main Campus)
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
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MUSC Children’s Health is part of South Carolina's most comprehensive academic health care system, offering career options at our nationally ranked pediatric hospital, ambulatory surgical and specialty care center, children’s research institute and clinics and patient care sites. We provide the broadest range of advanced care devoted exclusively to the well-being of children.
Our nationally ranked pediatric hospital is located in downtown Charleston, while our primary, urgent, and specialty care clinics can be found throughout the Tri-County area. We proudly care for patients across South Carolina, the southeast region and beyond.
MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH) consists of 250 beds and opened in February 2020 as a replacement facility for the MUSC Children’s Hospital, formerly on Ashley Avenue. MUSC SJCH provides the most advanced pediatric care possible in more than 27 specialty areas, in person or through a robust telehealth network, and includes:
The MUSC Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center ranked #4 in the country for the second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2023-2024. The program functions through a nationally unique statewide collaboration of pediatric heart surgeons and cardiologists and is also annually recognized as providing exceptional care by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Public Reporting.
Housed within MUSC SJCH, the Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion (PTWP) seamlessly integrates children’s care and obstetrical services, thereby enhancing safety and improving outcomes in low and high-risk pregnancies. The Advanced Fetal Care Center ensures that families expecting babies with complex congenital birth defects or medical problems receive care from board-certified maternal-fetal medicine providers collaborating with a large multidisciplinary care team of pediatric specialists. The PTWP care is one of only a handful of women’s facilities in the country to offer couplet-care rooms, where newborns and mothers can recover together in an intensive-care setting.
Hear from our care team members about why they love working at MUSC Children's Health.
Thank you for your interest in working at MUSC!
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