Ophthalmic Assistant

This position provides patient work-up for comprehensive Optometry / contact lens services in all eye center locations in the Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom/Davis

Apply By Date: July 23rd, 2025 at 11:59 pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Completion of the Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course, an independent study course offered by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is to be completed within six (6) months of hire.
• Some experience in a similar role/function required.
• Knowledge and skills to interview the patient in a courteous, caring manner.
• Knowledge to appreciate the vital aspects of the patient medical and ophthalmic history.
• Possesses the skill to take accurate history.
• Ability to document medications, allergies and to use pain scale.
• Ability to write in a legible, grammatically correct manner.
• Knowledge of correct spelling of ophthalmic terms and diagnosis.
• Knowledge and skills to assess all levels of visual acuity, in all age groups, utilizing the Snellen eye chart, near card, Fix and Follow, Hand movements and light perception.
• Knowledge of the visual pathway and those disease processes that can create visual field defects.
• Ability to recognize and avoid artifact while recording.
• Knowledge of binocular vison and the normal values on the Titmus stereopsis test.
• Ability to perform an accurate examination and to record it accordingly.
• Knowledge of normal color perception and the normal values they produce.
• Knowledge of optic nerve, retinal, and inherited color vision disorders.
• Ability to test and record with accuracy.
• Knowledge of the principles of tonometry.
• Knowledge of the anterior chamber, the aqueous fluid, and the drainage through the trabecular meshwork.
• Understanding of how intraocular pressure can rise when a disturbance or malfunction of these structures occur.
• Understands the risk of damage to the optic nerve and the resulting blindness that can occur when these structures are impacted.
• Knowledge of normal eye movement.
• Ability to recognize an abnormality by performing the nine gaze movements.
• Knowledge of strabismus in children and the procedures available to correct it and the importance of developing binocular vision in young children.
• Knowledge of normal pupillary reaction.
• Knowledge of spherical, compound, and multifocal lenses.
• Ability to read all powers utilizing the A/O or Marco lensometers.
• Knowledge of ocular pharmacology, including mydriatics, cycloplegics, dyes, anesthetics, and lubricants.
• Knowledge of their action on the visual system and the possible side effects of allergic reaction that might occur.
• Contact lens and training ability to train soft contact lenses, RGP lens and specialty medically necessary scleral lens.
• Demonstrate, teach, and instructs patient on insertion and removal of contact lenses.
• Stresses the importance of clean hands, near sterile techniques and contact lens etiquettes.
• Educate patients on contact lens product care and using the appropriate solution.
• Organizational skills required to process paperwork for pre-operative patient visit.
• Ability to communicate process to patient clearly and concisely.
• Ability to capture corneal topography accurately and proficiently.
• Knowledge to efficiently capture good scans with acceptable signal strengths of the optic nerve and macula.
• Knowledge and understanding of tear care dry eye treatment.
• Able to help set up and power on device for patients undergoing dry eye treatment in office.

Preferred Qualifications

• This position prefers a COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certification within 12 months of hire.
• Completion of the Ophthalmic Medical Assisting course, an independent study course offered by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is to be completed within 3 months of hire.

Key Responsibilities

• 95% - PATIENT WORK-UP AND VISUAL ASSESMENT
• 5% - PRE-OPERATIVE PROCEDURES

Department Overview

Optometry Department services 4 locations; Davis, Roseville, Sacramento, Folsom.
The UC Davis Eye Center is an academic/clinical department consisting of approximately 28 clinical and research faculty, 12 optometrists, 21 residents and clinical fellows, 24 volunteer clinical faculty and 117 academic and staff personnel, with an annual budget of $22 million. The Department's goals and objectives are to achieve excellence in patient care, teaching, research and public service. Patient care must receive the highest priority with the best possible service in all areas of Ophthalmologic care. In addition, the teaching of residents, medical students and postgraduate continuing medical education physicians must be facilitated. PhD and MD faculty are joined in mutual research efforts to seek new knowledge in the treatment and prevention of blinding eye disease. All of this is accomplished in the best working environment for all employees.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position provides patient work-up for comprehensive Optometry including contact lens services in all eye center locations in the Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom/Davis

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.33 - $32.76
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 280
• UC Job Title: HOSP BLANK AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009252
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday, Day
• Location: Ellison Ambulatory Care Center (HSP098)
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not an H-1B visa opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Ability to work in multiple locations in the Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom/Davis areas based on clinic need. Must be able to work on (some) Saturday shifts, 08:00am-04:30pm and with a scheduled weekly late night. This position requires working alternating weekends and will adjust work schedule accordingly based on clinical needs and or operations. The incumbent must comply and adhere to UCDH and departmental Sick Leave Policy and departmental Dress Policy. Must be able to speak and understand the English language. Must follow UCDH Ambulatory Clinics Practice Standards as applicable to job duties. Possible restricted vacation times due to operational need or working hours other than Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Must be able to work overtime as required. Must be able to lift to 25 lbs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks