POSITION: Ophthalmic Technician
DEPARTMENT: Clinical
REPORTS TO: Medical Director and/or Practice Administrator
JOB SUMMARY: This individual is responsible for performing an extensive number of data collection functions, as delegated by the physician or Practice Administrator, to allow for proper diagnosis of the patient’s condition; demonstrating comprehension of the ophthalmic technician skills, as out lined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), and physician request or requirements; and providing support to clinical staff of less advanced credentials. Assist with clinical trial studies as directed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
1. High School diploma, some college preferred.
2. Valid proof of certification as an ophthalmic technician.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Problem-solving and analytical skills.
3. Empathetic personality with attention to patient’s needs.
4. Strong organization with attention to detail.
5. Ability to work as a team member.
6. Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive work-ups on 3.5 to 4 patients per hour.
7. Demonstrated computer literacy.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Communication & Patient Care
a. Acquaints all new patients with the office procedures to which they will be exposed. Informs patients of the purpose of all tests personally performed and how they will be affected during the tests.
b. Obtains patient history to include chief complaint, history of present illness, past history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications.
c. Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks to include:
· Visual acuity
· Manual Lensometry
· Confrontational visual fields
· Stereo testing
· Evaluation of motility
· Pupillary function tests
· Color plates
· Applanation tonometry
· Advanced refractometry
· Retinoscopy
· Angle assessment
· Dilation of pupils
· Contact lens evaluations
· Visual field testing
· Optic nerve scanning (i.e. OCT, HRT, GDx)
· Pachymetry
· Corneal topography
· A Scan and B Scan
· Ophthalmic imaging including fluorescein angiography
· Performs other tasks specific to the physician’s needs, as a result of new technologies
· Perform other tasks as assigned.
d. Perform duties consistent with evaluation and work up for procedures/surgeries
(ie. Cataracts, Yag, Blepharoplasty etc.)
e. Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic technician, writer/scribe.
f. Assists physician with laser procedures.
g. Assists physician with minor surgery, maintaining practice standards of sterile technique and infection control.
h. Provides patient home care instructions and counseling.
i. Takes patient blood pressure as necessary.
j. Clarifies pre- and post-op instructions with patient.
k. Assist with clinical studies as assigned.
l. Performs other tasks as assigned.
2. Triage
a. Determines which patient should be taken next from the waiting room to have testing initiated and begin exam per protocols designed by physician. Escorts all patients from the waiting room for data collection, testing, advises as to who will see them next and make the patient comfortable during wait.
b. Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required.
c. Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills,
e-prescribe and patient care questions.
d. Communicates with receptionist and Practice Administrator to facilitate proper patient flow.
e. Performs other tasks as assigned.
3. Instrument Maintenance
a. Troubleshoots instruments as necessary.
b. Replaces bulbs as needed.
c. Checks connections.
d. Performs archiving functions according to manufacturer recommendations.
e. Maintain a clean work area.
f. Maintains sanitary conditions in exam and procedure rooms.
g. Keeps exposed lenses, mirrors, and prisms clean.
h. Reports any continued difficulty to Practice Administrator.
i. Monitor temperature in refrigerators.
j. Performs other tasks as assigned.
4. Administrative
a. Audits clinical supply levels, communicating to Practice Administrator or ordering clerk which items fall below par level as needed.
b. Maintains par levels of stock in exam and procedure rooms.
c. Maintains par levels of replacement inventory as needed.
d. Notifies pharmaceutical representatives when sample levels drop below par levels as needed.
e. Scanning in any in patient documents from visit regarding testing, labs, radiology, and overall any medical notes completed via paper at time of visit.
f. Performs other duties as required.
