Lead Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; COA - MUSCP

Job Description Summary

$2,000 Sign-On for COA/COT External Applicants

Join the region’s leading ophthalmic care team at the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute, where innovation meets compassion. We are currently hiring for multiple levels within our ophthalmic team, including Non-Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (NCOA), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), and Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

Storm Eye Institute treats adult and pediatric patients across a wide spectrum of conditions—from routine eye exams to highly specialized surgical care. As part of our team, you ll work with a collaborative group of clinicians in a high-impact setting where your skills directly enhance patient outcomes.

Why Join MUSC Storm Eye Institute?

• Monday–Friday schedule – No weekends, no holidays
• $2,000 sign-on bonus for external COA/COT applicants
• Career growth opportunities within South Carolina’s premier eye care institute
• Access to specialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology
• Work at a facility that performs 3,500+ surgeries and sees 60,000+ patients annually across multiple locations

Entity

University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC002003 UMA AMB OPHT Nexton Ophthalmology CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-23

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Job Description

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT): Performs all COA-level functions with increased autonomy and technical proficiency. Conducts complex diagnostic testing, operates advanced ophthalmic instruments, and may assist with intravitreal injections and post-operative care. Leads clinical workflow, mentors entry-level staff, and ensures high standards of patient care and clinic readiness. Serves as a liaison between ophthalmologists and patients, enhancing overall clinic efficiency and experience.

Additional Job Description

Qualifications & Requirements

COT Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of specialized ophthalmic experience with completion of a certified technician program.
• Certification: JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).
• BLS: Required within 2 weeks of hire (MUSC provides the BLS training free of charge).

Physical Requirements: Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance, work in a latex-safe environment and work indoors.

Frequently lift and/or carry objects weighing 20 lbs (+/-) unassisted. Lift from 36" to overhead 15 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please reference the E-Verify information for employees.