Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

We are seeking a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to provide advanced clinical and administrative support to Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. This role is crucial for optimizing practice efficiency and delivering exceptional patient care, encompassing all Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) duties, end-point refractions, and higher-level ophthalmic testing.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Comprehensive Patient Work-up: Greet and room patients, meticulously collecting medical history, chief complaint, medication lists, and allergies. Perform initial vision testing and spectacle neutralization.
• Advanced Ophthalmic Testing & Procedures: Conduct intraocular pressure measurements (applanation/Tonopen), refractometry, and specialized tests including A/B-scan, Visual Fields, Pachymetry, Corneal Topography, HRT, and OCT. Assist physicians with in-office procedures as trained.
• Medication Management & Patient Education: Administer prescribed ocular medications and provide essential patient counseling on medication use and pre/post-operative guidelines.
• Efficient Workflow & Triage: Manage patient scheduling, perform telephone triage for urgent/emergent needs, and coordinate with e-call physician teams to accommodate patient needs. Ensure accurate fee sheet completion and timely data entry into Cerner.
• Clinic Maintenance & Safety: Restock and clean exam rooms after each patient. Conduct routine area sweeps to maintain 5S standards (Level 4) and properly close rooms at the end of the patient schedule.

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.

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.