MUSCP - Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified (COA) or Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA) - West Ashley Medical Pavilion

Job Description Summary

The Storm Eye Institute – Storm Eye treats adult and pediatric patients across the tri-county area. It includes specialties such as general ophthalmology, glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastic, and optometry.

Performs advanced medical history, checks patient's visual acuity, dilates patient's eyes. Performs basic slit-lamp exam, visual fields, color vision tests, lensometry, tonometry, keratometry, and refractometry. Assists with office surgical procedures. Maintains complete and accurate information in the patient's medical record. Prepares and maintains exam rooms to ensure they are adequately stocked with supplies and that all equipment and instruments are in proper working order. Prepare instruments for sterilization. Screen patient phone calls and questions. Follow Guest Relation Policy: Be polite, attentive and courteous to all patients at all times. Perform other related duties incidental to the work.

Entity

University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC002002 UMA AMB OPHT West Campus Ophthalmology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-22

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

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.

Additional Job Description

Qualifications & Requirements

NCOA Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: On the job training!!
• Certification: COA required within 12 months of hire.
• BLS: Basic Life Support certification required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)

COA Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of ophthalmic experience and completion of a certified assistant program or equivalent.
• Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
• BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)

COT Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program.
• Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).
• BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC Provides the BLS training FREE OF CHARGE!)

Why Join MUSC Storm Eye Institute?

• Monday–Friday schedule – No weekends, no holidays
• $2,000 sign-on bonus for external COA/COT applicants
• 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

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 direction