Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/ Certified Ophthalmic Technician- Storm Eye Institute

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).

Storm Eye Institute treats adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of conditions—from routine eye exams to highly specialized surgical care. As part of our team, you'll work with a collaborative group of clinicians in a high-impact setting where your skills directly enhance patient outcomes.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000563 CHS - Opthamology - Pediatric Children's Ambulatory Center (Offsite)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-23

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Education & Training: Serve as an educator and mentor for ophthalmic technicians and other clinical staff, providing guidance on ophthalmic procedures, equipment usage, patient care best practices, and troubleshooting challenges.
• Patient Education: Educate patients about eye health, upcoming procedures, treatment plans, and post-procedural care instructions. Provide guidance to ensure patients are informed and comfortable.
• Clinical Support: Assist ophthalmologists and optometrists with patient exams, including taking patient histories, performing diagnostic tests, measuring visual acuity, and documenting results.
• Procedure Assistance: Help assist with various ophthalmic procedures, ensuring that all steps are properly followed and patients are well-cared for.
• Equipment Management: Ensure that ophthalmic equipment is well-maintained, calibrated, and functioning correctly. Troubleshoot any equipment issues and work with other departments for repairs or replacements when needed.
• In Basket Management: Manage and respond to In Basket messages in the electronic health record (EHR) system. Ensure timely follow-up with patients, staff, and physicians regarding test results, appointments, and treatment plans.
• Pre-Procedure Phone Calls: Make pre-procedure phone calls to patients, providing essential instructions, confirming appointments, and addressing any patient concerns or questions prior to scheduled procedures.
• Prior Authorizations: Assist with obtaining prior authorizations for procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatments as required by insurance companies. Ensure all necessary documentation is completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Clinic Operations: Support the daily flow of the ophthalmology clinic, assisting with scheduling, patient check-in, and any administrative tasks as needed.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all clinical and operational tasks adhere to safety standards, infection control protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• 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

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Experience:  Minimum of 1 year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent. Completion of COA II Annual Project and validation.
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Certification as a COA through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required and must be maintained throughout employment. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

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.

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