Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Full Time, Benefited, Days, 8hours, 1.0fteFeatured Job
+ Oakland, CA
+ Highland General Hospital
+ FQHC HGH K7 Specialty
+ Full Time - Day
+ Allied Health
+ $30.38-37.98/ hour
+ Req #:44261-32899
+ FTE:1
+ Posted:September 1, 2026
Summary
SUMMARY: Possesses knowledge and skills in history taking, patient services, instrument maintenance, basic clinical optics, basic ocular motility, visual fields, intermediate tonometry, ocular pharmacology, and photography. Incumbent assists physicians and other technical support staff to perform diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems. Performs related duties as required.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.
1. Assist in coordinating services for patients, e.g., reminder calls, scheduling tests, etc.
2. Assist the physician in the preparation of routine microbiological specimens.
3. Calibrate and maintain all instruments used including, but not limited to bio- microscopes, lensometer, keratometer, slit lamp and tonometers; clean and stock consultation rooms and microbiology laboratory with drugs and other supplies as needed.
4. Examine the cornea, lens and anterior chamber of the eye using a slit lamp and note variations from normal.
5. Maintains knowledge of local and topical anesthesia, lachrymal surgery, oculo-plastic surgery, orbital surgery, post-op drugs and their reactions, and prescription medications.
6. Measure acuity of patient, with and without glasses, for distance and near vision; obtain optical and lensometry measurements to determine lens prescription; record findings on patient chart.
7. Other duties as necessary.
8. Performs testing: corneal topography, autorefraction, contrast sensitivity tests, tonometry, Humphrey visual fields, OCT, pachymetry, A-Scan for IOL calculation, B-Scan, ophthalmic photography and using other ophthalmic equipment in the clinic.
9. Performs initial patient exams, which includes: obtaining ocular, medical, and family histories; measuring, comparing, and testing pupils; measuring visual acuity and eye pressures; color vision testing applies eye dressings.
10. Provides information to patients concerning procedures and surgery; verifies surgery schedules; maintains, sterilizes, and sets up instruments for procedures; assists doctors with procedures and patient monitoring.
11. Sterilize and set up instruments for ophthalmic procedures; assist with office procedures and laser treatments.
Pay Rate: $30.38-37.98/ hour
_The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous comprehensive benefits program._
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:High School Diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Experience:One year of relevant experience.
Preferred Licenses/Certifications:Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certification or coursework working towards a COA or COT.
Additional Information
Notes: COA will work alongside two COTs to provide testing for the OPH clinic. There will not be any supervision of staff members. Some travel to other sites within the Alameda Health System to provide support as needed is required. This is a well-established team where there will be abundant support for learning the operations of the clinic.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:High School Diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Experience:One year of relevant experience.
Preferred Licenses/Certifications:Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certification or coursework working towards a COA or COT.
Alameda Health System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military background.