Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) - Start Immediately

We are hiring a competitive Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) to join our growing team at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Washington DC.
Growing your career as a Full Time Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a fantastic opportunity to develop exceptional skills.
If you are strong in creativity, people management and have the right personality for the job, then apply for the position of Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) at Virginia Mason Medical Center today!

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

Virginia Mason Medical Center, was recognized among the Best Hospitals in Washington state by U.S. News & World Report.

Located in Seattle, WA, Virginia Mason is an internationally recognized leader in the continuous improvement of health care. With an extensive list of awards and distinctions that includes our recognition as a Leapfrog Top Hospital of the Decade; Virginia Mason offers you the opportunity to partner with exceptionally talented peers at every level. 

You will contribute to the strength of our Team Medicine approach to collaborative medicine and benefit from the changes enacted through our Virginia Mason Production System, a model that has transformed health care by providing patients with easier access to care, reducing errors, and continuously innovating patient safety and quality that has been adopted by other organizations here and abroad. Join us, and find out how many ways Virginia Mason offers you the chance to focus on what really matters… your patients.

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.

As a part of our organization, we currently offer the following additional benefits:

• Competitive starting wages (DOE) and training to grow within the company
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick time
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance plans 
• Flexible health spending accounts: DCFSA and FSA  
• Health Savings Account - (HSA) for use with the high deductible health plan
• Short and long term disability programs
• Employer paid life insurance
• 401a and 403b retirement programs
• Tuition Assistance for career growth and development
• Bright Horizons programs for additional support with children, pets, dependent adults, and household needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Voluntary Protection: Group Accident, Critical Illness, and Identify Theft

“We deliver inspired people to do meaningful work.”

Qualifications

High School/GED required. 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.

Just as Virginia Mason is dedicated to improving the lives of our patients and our community, we are equally dedicated to your professional and personal success. With a wide range of perks that includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to live in one of the most livable cities in the nation, you will find that an opportunity with Team Medicine is one worth taking.  

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Benefits of working as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) in Washington DC:

● Learning opportunities
● Advancement opportunities
● Competitive salary