Physician Assistant

Full Job Description

Reports To: Supervising Ophthalmologist / Medical DirectorPosition Summary:

The Ophthalmology Physician Assistant supports ophthalmologists in delivering high-quality eye care. This role combines direct patient care, pre-operative and post-operative management, diagnostics, minor procedures, and coordination of care. The PA must work independently within the scope of their licensure, exercise sound clinical judgment, and ensure regulatory and operational compliance.

Key Responsibilities:Clinical Duties:

• Conduct detailed eye exams, visual acuity testing, pupil assessments, and ocular motility evaluation.
• Take comprehensive ophthalmic histories, including systemic diseases and medication impacts.
• Diagnose and manage common ophthalmic conditions (e.g., conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye, corneal abrasions).
• Administer or interpret diagnostic tests (OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, A-scan/B-scan, visual fields).
• Assist in laser procedures, intravitreal injections, or minor in-office surgeries (if trained and delegated).
• Perform pre-op assessments and post-op follow-ups (e.g., cataract, glaucoma, retinal surgeries).
• Suture removal, wound checks, contact lens fittings (if required by practice), and medication management.

Administrative & Coordination Duties:

• Document patient encounters and coding (E/M, procedure codes) in compliance with Medicare and payer guidelines.
• Coordinate referrals to retina, glaucoma, cornea specialists, or surgical centers.
• Educate patients and families about diagnoses, treatment plans, and post-procedure instructions.
• Participate in QI initiatives, EMR optimization, and compliance audits.
• Monitor inventory for ophthalmic instruments and medications used during procedures.

Compliance & Regulatory:

• Follow all CMS, state, and OSHA regulations for clinical practice.
• Adhere to scope of practice defined by the Medical Board and supervising physician agreement.
• Maintain current DEA (if prescribing), BLS/ACLS, and PA licensure.

Qualifications:Required:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited PA program
• Current licensure as a PA-C (NCCPA-certified)
• State licensure in good standing
• Minimum 1 year experience in a clinical setting

Preferred:

• Prior ophthalmology, optometry, or surgical subspecialty experience
• Fluency in EMR use (e.g., NextGen, Epic, ModMed)
• Comfort with performing or assisting in minor ophthalmic procedures

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of ocular anatomy and pathophysiology
• Ability to triage ophthalmic emergencies (e.g., retinal detachment, acute angle closure, CRAO)
• Precision in documentation and visual diagnostics
• Excellent patient communication, especially with geriatric populations
• Team player with ability to manage fast-paced clinic workflows

Work Conditions:

• Outpatient clinical setting
• Exposure to bodily fluids and infectious materials
• Use of slit lamp, tonometer, indirect ophthalmoscope, and surgical microscopes

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Expected hours: 24 – 36 per week

Work Location: In person