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
University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials
Worker Type
Employee
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Cost Center
CC002000 UMA AMB OPHT East Cooper Ophth eac CC
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
Pay Grade
Health-22
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work 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!)
Why Join MUSC Storm Eye Institute?
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
Physical Requirements:
Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance, work in a latex safe environment and work indoors. Frequently lift, lower, push and pull and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs (+/-) unassisted, exert up to 50 lbs of force, lift from 36” to overhead 25 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces.
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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