Ophthalmic Assistant

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​

PRN

Cost Center

CC002002 UMA AMB OPHT West Campus Ophthalmology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-22

Scheduled Weekly Hours

15

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Job Description

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.

Why Join MUSC Storm Eye Institute?

• Monday–Friday schedule – No weekends, no holidays
• 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

Additional Job Description

NCOA Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: No experience needed. On the job training provided
• Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Must obtain COA or COT certification through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within 12 months of start date.
• BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

COA Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
• 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.

• BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

COT Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program.
• Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: Certification as a COT through Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• BLS: Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

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