Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state. CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region. Virginia Mason Medical Center, was recognized among the Best Hospitals in Washington state by U.S. News & World Report.  CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the regions most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.

The COA provides assistance to Ophthalmologists/Optometrists by performing clerical and clinical duties required to most effectively handle the day-to-day functioning of their practices. This job performs Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) duties, as well as end-point refractions and higher-level ophthalmic testing.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Greets and rooms patient. Completes patient work-up, including collection of history and chart information such as chief complaint, medications, and allergies. Performs testing of vision and neutralizing of spectacles.
• Ensures the fee sheet is properly completed and ready for data entry. Enters information into Cerner in accordance with VM standard process. Takes intraocular pressure by applanation or Tonopen, and performs refractometry. May perform additional tests including, but not limited to: A- or B-scan calculations, Visual Fields, Pachymetry, Corneal Topography, Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
• May assist physician with in-office procedures, as appropriate and in accordance with incumbent’s training. Administers ocular medications as prescribed by the physician. Educates patients as necessary or requested.
• Provides patient counseling regarding proper use of medication. As needed, distributes approved pre- and post-op guidelines.
• Performs telephone triage to assess urgent versus emergent needs and creates schedules to meet the needs of the patient. Works with e-call physician’s teams to work in patients. Does general scheduling of patients and handling of phone messages.
• Restocks and cleans exam rooms after patient care. Conducts area sweeps during and at end of day to ensure that team area is always at a level 4 per 5S guidelines. Closes rooms at end of patient schedule.

"We deliver inspired people to do meaningful work."

JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) required. 1 year working in an optometry or ophthalmology practice required.

Working knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, sterilization techniques, and basic eye care. Understanding of ophthalmic testing and the use of ophthalmic instruments and equipment.  Basic skills in operating a computer and office equipment. Strong interpersonal and customer relations skills; strong communication skills and organizational skills required.  Ability to make chart documentation with entry into electronic medical record.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.