Ophthalmic - Somerville

Explore opportunities with Atrius Health, part of the Optum family of businesses. We're an innovative health care leader and multi-specialty group practice, delivering an effective, connected system of care for adult and pediatric patients at 28 practice locations in eastern Massachusetts. Our entire team of providers (physicians, PA/NPs and ancillary clinicians) works collaboratively with a value-based philosophy within our group practice as well as with hospitals, rehab and nursing facilities. Be part of our vision to transform care and improve lives by building trust, understanding and shared decision-making with every patient. Join us and discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

As the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), you will perform duties of a clinical assistant/technician specializing in anatomy, function and diseases of the eye.  Facilitates patient care by performing the preliminary work up of the patient, including obtaining all past medical records and performing preliminary eye function testing needed for the clinician to diagnose and treat eye conditions.  Completes all of the basic testing and some of the more advanced visual testing required to support clinicians. Conducts diagnostic tests, measures and records vision and assesses pupillary and eye muscle function.

Position Details:

• Location: 40 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144
• Schedule: Five 8 hour shifts available. Monday - Friday between 8:00 & 5:00pm
• Specialty: Optometry

Primary Responsibilities:

• Patient Interaction & History: Greets and escorts patients, collects thorough medical, ocular, and social history, and documents information accurately in the EMR
• Clinical Testing & Evaluation: Performs visual acuity testing, obtains vital signs, and conducts a range of preliminary and specialized ophthalmic tests (e.g., slit lamp exams, tonometry, OCT, visual field testing)
• Patient Education & Admin Support: Educates patients on contact lens insertion and removal, care and cleaning of contact lenses
• Admin Support: Management of message pools for both contact lens verification and patient messages relating to contact lenses.  May also support front-end operations including medical secretary responsibilities, as needed
• Contact Lens Ordering and Management: Orders contact lenses for sites, patient appointments and trial checks fit sets for site needs
• Specialty Program Management: Handles all specialty lenses such as therapeutic lenses, Scleral lenses, and myopia control. Should be knowledgeable in checking insurance coverage for therapeutic lenses

Required Qualifications:

• Willingness to obtain Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) within two years from the date of hire
• Experience with patient education and contact lens insertion and removal classes
• General medical knowledge with solid history taking skills
• Familiarity with basic ophthalmic testing and procedures, including Pupillary assessment, visual acuity, extraocular movements, confrontation visual fields, autorefraction, lensometry, intraocular pressure (Tonopen/iCare), and basic slit lamp techniques such as Goldman tonometry and anterior chamber assessment
• Basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets; experience with EMR systems or the ability to learn quickly
• Ability to travel between locations may be required based on business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by JCAHPO or by National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Experience with Specialy contact lens programs such as therapeutic lenses and myopia control
• Experience with advanced testing and procedures such as manifest refraction, manual lensometry, manual Keratometry, Ascans/biometry and/or immersion), OCT, Humphrey visual fields, brightness acuity test
• Knowledge of ophthalmic triage protocols and patient safety practices

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $20 to $36 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.