What does a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A certified ophthalmic assistant is a medical professional who provides support to ophthalmologists and optometrists. They may work in an office setting or in a hospital. Ophthalmic assistants typically perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. They also provide clinical support, such as measuring patients' visual acuity and assisting with eye examinations.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant job duties include:
- Greet patients and escort them to the examination room.
- Update patient medical records.
- Perform visual acuity tests.
- Measure patients’ intraocular pressure.
- Examine patients’ eyes using an ophthalmoscope.
- Test patients’ peripheral vision.
- Administer eye medications as directed by the ophthalmologist.
- Assist the ophthalmologist during eye examinations and surgeries.
- Educate patients on proper eye care and safety.
- Schedule follow-up appointments for patients.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Job Requirements
A certified ophthalmic assistant is a medical professional who provides support to ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care providers. They typically have an associate's degree in ophthalmic science or a related field, and they must pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Optometry. Ophthalmic assistants typically have at least one year of experience working in an eye care setting.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Skills
- Medical history taking
- Visual acuity testing
- Refraction
- Slit lamp examination
- Tonometry
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Pupillary assessment
- Extraocular muscle assessment
- Visual fields testing
- Lensometry
- Fluorescein staining
- A-scan biometry
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How to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA®) is a highly skilled allied health professional who works closely with ophthalmologists and other eye care providers to provide quality patient care. The COA credential is recognized and respected by employers and peers alike, and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field of ophthalmology.
To become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, one must first complete an accredited ophthalmic assistant program. These programs typically last one year and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must then pass a rigorous national examination administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Once certified, ophthalmic assistants play a vital role in the delivery of eye care services. They perform a variety of tasks such as measuring patients’ visual acuity, administering eye medications, and assisting with diagnostic testing and surgical procedures. In addition, they educate patients on proper eye care and help them select the best eyewear to meet their needs.
The demand for qualified ophthalmic assistants is expected to grow in the coming years as the population ages and the incidence of vision problems increases. Those who are interested in a career in this field should consider pursuing certification as a way to stand out from the competition and demonstrate their dedication to providing quality patient care.
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