The Medical Assistant, C.O.A .or C.O.T. assists in the daily patient care and flow by performing a number of data collection functions as delegated by the Ophthalmologist to allow for proper professional diagnosis of patients' eye conditions and to do so in a way that instills patient confidence in the diagnosis and treatment plan. In certain situations, Medical Assistants with no previous Ophthalmology or eye care experience may be offered both didactic and "hands-on" clinical training so that within a reasonable time they will be able to demonstrate ophthalmic assistant skills and prepare for the COA and COT examinations and certifications.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Promptly and professionally assists the physicians and optometrists in patient care.
- Performs technical workups, patient interviews and special testing as needed.
- Communicates with patients regarding follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, changes in schedule, symptoms and surgery scheduling as needed.
- Maintains and cleans all equipment being used.
- Maintains inventory of clinical supplies.
- Responsible for sterilization of ophthalmic equipment after use.
- Returns phone calls to patients, pharmacies.
- Efficiently and accurately interviews patients and documents histories.
- Accurately performs:
- Refractions
- Lensometry
- Keratometry
- Tonometry
- Visual Fields
- Amslers
- Muscle Testing
- Pupil Exams
- Topography
- Fluorescein Angiography / Fundus Photos
- A-Scans / IOL Master
Minimum Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED.
- Coursework as a Medical Assistant or two years work experience as Ophthalmic Assistant.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Primary Functions
- Demonstrates working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms and ocular meds.
- Has or develops a working understanding of A-Scans, fundus photos, nerve fiber analysis and fluoroscein angiography.
- Has knowledge of contact lenses.
- Utilizes proper eye drop technique and sterility.
- Understands and uses proper sterile technique.
- Utilizes proper universal precaution procedures.
- Understands characteristics of common anterior segment disorders conditions.
- Understands and communicates well to patients about cataract surgery. Understands and communicates well to patients about LASIK.
- Understands and follows procedures for surgical and procedural consents.
- Displays consistent professionalism.
- Is energetic and empathetic with patients.
- Consistently display positive rapport with fellow employees.
- Cooperates with supervisory staff and physicians.
- Scribes readily when doctor desires.
- Assist in minor surgery and laser procedures
- Demonstrates flexibility in job assignment.
- Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
- Maintains certification.
Physical/Environmental Requirements
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to write.
- Must be able to hold arms at shoulder height.
- Must be able to communicate via phone.
- Must have manual dexterity to work with ophthalmic equipment.
