Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Certified

Essential Functions

• Perform pre-operative testing and prepare patients for surgery, including positioning and ensuring they are comfortable and ready for their procedure.
• Provide pre- and post-operative education to patients, helping them understand their care and what to expect throughout the surgical process.
• Identify and administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed by the surgeon.
• Partner with the surgical team to prepare for procedures by setting up the operating room, calibrating and checking equipment, gathering supplies and instruments, and preparing the sterile field using aseptic technique in accordance with hospital infection control guidelines.
• Support the surgeon throughout ophthalmic procedures by anticipating clinical needs, operating necessary equipment, and providing instruments and supplies as appropriate.
• Handle, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments in accordance with hospital protocols and infection control standards.
• Promote patient safety by recognizing and appropriately escalating potential concerns, maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, and safeguarding patient rights.
• Support efficient surgical case flow by prioritizing responsibilities, completing tasks in a timely manner, promptly communicating concerns, and maintaining strong communication with patients, administrative staff, and members of the care team.
• Perform administrative and operational responsibilities as assigned, including inventory management, triaging patient calls, preparing surgical charts under the direction of the surgeon, and managing in-basket messages.
• Perform a variety of ophthalmic testing and diagnostic imaging consistent with the individual's JCAHPO certification as a COA, COT, or COMT when supporting an outpatient eye clinic.
• Provide cross-coverage across services and locations within the ophthalmology department as needed, offering opportunities to work with a variety of teams and patient populations.
• Follow hospital policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as established accreditation and patient safety standards.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No.

Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA) certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) required.

2-3 years of experience working in a supervised ophthalmology procedural area required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ocular terminology, anatomy and physiology, ocular diseases and disorders, ophthalmic procedures and instrumentation, and ocular pharmacology
• Strong knowledge of infection prevention, aseptic technique, and instrument sterilization practices
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for patients and families
• Ability to provide care that is responsive to patients' individual age-related, mental, and physical needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, remain adaptable, and work effectively in fast-paced, high-volume clinical and procedural environments