Physician AssistantJOB SUMMARY:The Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare provider who practices in collaboration with, and under the direction of, the supervising ophthalmologist. The PA will provide office-based clinical care, diagnostic support, therapeutic treatment, preventive services, and post-operative surgical care within the patient care parameters established by the supervising physician.
This role is designed for a PA interested in ophthalmology and procedural medicine while working directly with a high-volume ophthalmic surgeon. Prior ophthalmology experience is not required; specialty training and physician guidance will be provided.
ROLE HIGHLIGHTS:- Structured 3-month onboarding and training program
- Direct collaboration with a high-volume ophthalmic surgeon.
- Hands-on involvement in office-based and surgical ophthalmology services, including post-operative care.
- Opportunity to develop a focused specialty skillset in a procedural medical field.
- Clear clinical protocols with increasing responsibility as competency develops.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (other duties as required):- Provide ophthalmic services to patients within parameters established by the supervising physician.
- Perform comprehensive post-operative examinations for ophthalmology patients, including cataract surgery, LASIK / PRK, YAG capsulotomy, and other ophthalmic procedures as directed.
- Manage post-operative medications and treatment plans per protocol and under the direction of the supervising ophthalmologist.
- Educate patients on surgical recovery, medication instructions, restrictions, warning signs, and follow-up care.
- Perform H&P examinations as directed and within the PA scope of practice.
- Assist with femtosecond laser-related patient care, workflow, preparation, and support as directed by the supervising ophthalmologist.
- Support other ophthalmic procedures, exams, diagnostic tests and clinical services as assigned by supervising ophthalmologist.
- Perform additional patient services established by the supervising physician.
- Escalate concerns, complications, or abnormal findings to the supervising ophthalmologist in accordance with clinical protocol.
- Counsel patients regarding prescribed therapeutic regimens, health maintenance, diagnosis, condition, and treatment plan.
- Prescribe medication to patients under the supervision of a physician, including therapy and referrals as applicable.
- Assist the physician during surgery and office-based procedures as needed.
- Oversee and coordinate duties of technical assistants as appropriate.
- Document care accurately and efficiently in the electronic health record.
- Adhere to applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, organizational policies, the Compliance Program, and Code of Conduct.
ONBOARDING:- Specialty training will include physician shadowing, clinical protocol review, and gradual transition into job responsibilities.
- Ongoing feedback will be provided as the PA develops competency and independence within the role.
COMPETENCIES:- Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of medical materials, methods, instruments, and equipment.
- Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced environment, and manage time to meet deadlines and organizational requirements.
- Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries with colleagues and patients.
- Strong interest in surgical or procedural medicine.
- Comfortable learning specialty-specific ophthalmic examinations and protocol-driven care.
- Values collaboration, accuracy, patient education, and long-term specialty development.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role operates in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, confidential clinical environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:This is a full-time salaried position. Days and hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.; however, salaried staff may be required to work beyond their set schedule due to business needs and expectations.
TRAVEL:Some travel required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Bachelor's degree or higher in health education or related field.
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies or equivalent PA degree.
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant in North Carolina and Virginia.
- Willingness to perform post-operative ophthalmology care and specialty-specific exams after training.
- Willingness to perform minor office-based procedures or surgical support duties as directed and within scope of practice.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Ophthalmology experience preferred, but not required.
- New graduates are welcome to apply.
- Prior experience in surgery, procedural medicine, internal medicine, acute care, or other clinical specialty is a plus.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:- Salaried position.
- Malpractice Insurance provided.
- $2,500 allowance for continuing education, dues, and licensure.
- 401(k) employer match up to 4%.
- Optical allowance, complimentary eye exams, and service and product discounts.
OTHER DUTIES:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
