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Surgery Counselor/Medical Assistant - Ophthalmology

Avon, Colorado, United States

Vail Health has become the world’s most advanced mountain healthcare system. Vail Health consists of an updated 520,000-square-foot, 56-bed hospital.  This state-of-the-art facility provides exceptional care to all of our patients, with the most beautiful views in the area, located centrally in Vail. Learn more about Vail Health here.

About the opportunity:

The Surgery Counselor / Clinical Assistant is often one of the first team members patients connect with when considering vision procedures or eye surgery and is an essential part of the ophthalmology team. This role focuses on delivering an exceptional patient experience by providing clear guidance, personalized support, and a seamless, well-coordinated journey from consultation through recovery.

In this position, you will educate and guide patients through every stage of the surgical process, including evaluations, procedure planning, scheduling, and financial options. You will help patients understand their treatment choices, coordinate appointments, and assist with payment arrangements and collections, ensuring patients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their care.

The Surgery Counselor / Clinical Assistant also plays an important role in clinic operations by facilitating communication between surgeons, providers, and staff, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring timely follow-up throughout the peri-operative process. Additionally, this role contributes to clinical efficiency by assisting with clinical and administrative tasks as needed.

This position is ideal for a compassionate, detail-oriented professional who enjoys working closely with patients, thrives in a collaborative healthcare environment, and is committed to delivering high-quality care while maintaining the highest standards of safety, service, and compliance.

 

What you will do:

  • Assist providers and clinical staff with examinations, procedures, and direct patient care.
  • Prepare patients for procedures and perform ophthalmic diagnostic tests, including visual acuity, tonometry, pachymetry, visual fields, corneal topography, OCT, and lensometry.
  • Obtain and document patient histories, including chief complaint, medical/ocular history, medications, and allergies.
  • Educate and counsel patients on procedures, pre-testing, surgery preparation, and payment options.
  • Verify insurance for procedures and assist with related administrative tasks.
  • Support pre- and post-operative care, including patient counseling, procedure setup, and in-office procedures.
  • Schedule appointments, manage follow-ups, and respond promptly to patient inquiries by phone or in person.
  • Perform Clinical Assistant and Ophthalmic Technician duties as needed to support clinic operations.
This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
 
What you will need:
 
Experience:
  • 2 years of relevant clinical experience, preferred
  • 3 years of sales or patient surgical counseling experience, preferred
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology, medical equipment, HIPAA compliance and OSHA rules and regulations, required

 

 
License(s) and Certification(s):
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
  • One of the following licenses required:
    • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
    • Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
    • Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT)
    • Certified Medical Assistant (MA)
    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMP)
    • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

 

 

 

Benefits at Vail Health Include:

  • Competitive Wages & Family Benefits:
    • Competitive wages
    • Parental leave (4 weeks paid)
    • Housing programs
    • Childcare reimbursement 
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits: 
    • Medical
    • Dental 
    • Vision
  • Educational Programs: 
    • Tuition Assistance 
    • Existing Student Loan Repayment
    • Specialty Certification Reimbursement
    • Annual Supplemental Educational Funds
  • Paid Time Off:
    • Up to five weeks in your first year of employment and continues to grow each year.
  • Retirement & Supplemental Insurance:
    • 403(b) Retirement plan with immediate matching 
    • Life insurance
    • Short and long-term disability
  • Recreation Benefits, Wellness & More:
    • Up to $1,000 annual wellbeing reimbursement
    • Recreation discounts
    • Pet insurance

Pay is based upon relevant education and experience per hour.

Hourly Pay:

$24.28 - $33.51 USD

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