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 Ophthalmic Assistant, 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.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Patient Interaction & History: Greets and escorts patients, gathers comprehensive medical, ocular, and social history, and documents in the EMR
- Clinical Testing & Evaluation: Performs vision tests, vital signs, and a range of preliminary and specialized ophthalmic assessments (e.g., slit lamp, tonometry, OCT, visual fields)
- Procedure Support: Assists with minor surgical procedures, applies eye dressings, and ensures sterile technique and proper instrument handling
- Equipment & Maintenance: Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots ophthalmic equipment and lasers; ensures cleanliness and readiness of instruments
- Patient Education & Admin Support: Instructs patients on medications and procedures; may rotate into administrative roles such as medical secretary duties
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
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
- Proven general medical knowledge and ability to be proficient in history taking
- Proven knowledge of basic visual testing and diagnostic procedures, including pupillary measurement, visual acuity, extraocular muscle assessment, confrontation visual field testing, auto lensometry, auto refraction, Tonopen and/or iCare intraocular pressure measurement, as well as basic Slit lamp skills such as Goldmann tonometry and anterior chamber angle assessment
- Computer experience required with the ability to use word processing and spreadsheet programs. Electronic medical record (EMR) experience and/or aptitude to master the EMR based on other technology experience
- Ability to travel between locations based on business need
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) as indicated by the most recent certification requirements for positions within Ophthalmology or by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) as contact lens technician for positions within Optometry
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Experience with manifest refraction, manual Lensometry, manual Keratometry, Ascans (automated biometry and/or immersion), OCT Scans, Humphrey visual field machine, brightness acuity test, instrument sterilization procedures
- Experience in ophthalmic triage protocols and safety measures
- Ophthalmic Scribe experience
- Proven knowledge and proficiency in ophthalmic procedures such as Laser, Intraocular Injections, Oculoplastic minor procedures
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 $20.00 to $36.00 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Skills Required
- Willingness to obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification through JCAHPO within two years of hire
- General medical knowledge and proficiency in taking patient histories
- Knowledge of basic visual testing and diagnostic procedures, including pupillary measurement, visual acuity, extraocular muscle assessment, confrontation visual fields, auto lensometry, auto refraction, Tonopen or iCare intraocular pressure measurement, and basic slit lamp skills
- Computer experience and ability to use word processing and spreadsheet programs
- EMR experience or aptitude to learn an EMR
- Ability to travel between locations based on business need
- COA certification through JCAHPO or NCLE contact lens technician certification, as applicable
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Experience with manifest refraction, manual lensometry, manual keratometry, A-scans, OCT scans, Humphrey visual fields, brightness acuity testing, and instrument sterilization
- Experience with ophthalmic triage protocols and safety measures
- Ophthalmic scribe experience
- Knowledge of ophthalmic procedures including laser procedures, intraocular injections, and oculoplastic minor procedures
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is often regarded as generous, with meaningful accrual and flexibility to use it. While practices can vary by team, the overall time-off offering stands out as a relative strength.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer matching is available and generally well-regarded for supporting long-term savings. It remains valuable, though candidates should verify the current match formula.
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Parental & Family Support — Programs such as parental leave, family medical leave, and adoption assistance are included as notable elements of the total rewards package. These resources can meaningfully support work-life balance when applicable to the role and location.
Optum Insights
What We Do
Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. At Optum, we support your well-being with an understanding team, extensive benefits and rewarding opportunities. By joining us, you’ll have the resources to drive system transformation while we help you take care of your future. We recognize the power of connection to drive change, improve efficiency and make a difference in health care. Join a team where your skills and ideas can make an impact and where collaboration is key to creating technology that produces healthier outcomes.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Optum has three workplace models that balance the needs of the business and the responsibilities of each role. These models, core on‑site (5 days/week), hybrid (4 days/week) and telecommute or fully remote, vary by country, role and location.