What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Certified Ophthalmic Assistant position at Georgia Eye Institute of the Southeast?
The Head Certified Ophthalmic Assistant position is an advanced-level position including a wide variety of clerical, technical, and patient related functions under minimal supervision. This position performs all of the duties of an ophthalmic assistant with greater independence, including clinic flow management, documentation of exam findings during patient preparation and visit, patient education, assistance with medical examinations, treatments, and procedures, ordering and performing tests, coordination of area work assignments, protocol review and updates. In addition to performing and overseeing such tasks, the Lead COA is also a mentor and role model for the Ophthalmic Assistants and functions as a head worker for support staff.
- Collect, document completely and accurately, patient exam information including medical history, chief complaint, appropriate vitals, demographic information, updated medications, allergies, and health maintenance system.
- Screen patient and perform accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks in relation to: Visual acuity, manual lensometry, confrontational visual fields, stereo testing, evaluation of motility, papillary function tests, color plates, applanation tonometry, advanced refractometry, retinoscopy, angle assessment, dilation of pupils, contact lens evaluation, visual field testing, optic nerve scanning, pachymetry, corneal topography, A Scan and B Scan, ophthalmic imaging including fluorescein angiography, etc.
- Assist provider with laser procedures and minor surgery maintaining the practice standards of sterile technique and infection control.
- Provide patient home care instructions and counseling. Clarify pre-op and post-op instructions with patients.
- As team head, facilitate daily operations and responsibilities of the patient flow within the team.
- Act as the first level, go to person for the providers and heads the team regarding troubleshooting issues and as a patient services liaison to research issues surrounding complaints, registration, and then communicating findings to clinical manager.
- Ensure smooth office operations which support teamwork, and generate a positive attitude between front and back-office staff.
- Attend regular EHR training sessions and distribute new information to providers and staff through individual trains and communications.
Four years clinical experience in a busy general Ophthalmology practice setting.
- COA, COT or COMT certification.
- Excellent clinical skills coupled with the ability train clinical staff.
- Strong knowledge of proper medical chart documentation and coding.
- Strong knowledge of diagnostic ophthalmic/optometric equipment.
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills
- This position requires the flexibility to travel to satellite offices on a weekly basis.
