CO Ophthalmic Technician

Working with faculty, Clinic Manager and Clinic Supervisor, we are seeking aCO Ophthalmic Technician's who's primary role is to provide technician/clinical support to physicians. Secondary responsibilities include limited administrative duties such as responding to messages from patients and physicians and assisting with patient requests for refills, forms completion and prior authorizations.

This position is located in a satellite office with multiple functions and minimal staff. The job requires multi-tasking in order to complete a variety of tasks.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Clinical

• Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
• Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
• Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
• Instills eye drops under physicians’ direction.
• Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
• Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e. Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
• Performs Humphrey visual field testing; refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
• Performs OCT’s.
• Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery.
• Performs Pentacam measurements.
• Performs accurate refractions.
• Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
• Screens for presence of ocular motility disorders.
• Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
• Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; otential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
• Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
• Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
• Teaches patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
• Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting unit as needed in patient with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
• Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometer reading if unobtainable.
• Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
• Takes fundus photos as needed.
• Assist with in office procedures
• Responsible for exam room supply maintenance
• Ensure medication expiration dates are current
• Responsible for maintaining and sterilization of instruments
• Disinfect and maintain examination rooms
• Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control
• Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps container, etc.
• Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.

Non-Clinical

• Duties may include, but are not limited to the following
• Responsible for epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool) and patient questions.
• Process refill requests.
• Prior authorizations for upcoming in office procedures.
• Prior authorizations for medications.
• Provide support to front desk staff by assisting in triage scheduled appointments, respond to patients’ clinical questions and explain technician related concerns to front desk staff.
• Managing and ordering medications for intravitreal injections.
• Assist with tracking and processing of forms request (ie MVA, disability, FLMA).
• Provide input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
• Maintain general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
• Maintain required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.
• This position is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Solid knowledge of ocular anatomy (including anterior and posterior portions of eye).
• Good working knowledge of ophthalmic medications, and knowledge of allergic reaction to drugs.
• Good working knowledge of the following ophthalmic equipment: projector, trial lenses, phoropter, various tonometers, lensometer, slit lamp, Bright Field Acuity Tester, and Potential Acuity Meter.
• Working knowledge of ophthalmic photography equipment.
• Good working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Excellent organization, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak clearly and have patients understand language without misinterpretation or confusion.
• Professional maturity, appearance and demeanor required.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to establish priorities

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in stationary position for 50% of the time.
• Ability to move about to escort patients to the exam rooms and different departments, gather and replace supplies, and stock rooms.
• Constantly positions self to adjust ophthalmic equipment in order to perform exams.
• Ability to manipulate extremely small objects.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with patients .Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to safely utilize various types of Ophthalmic Equipment to directly contact the patients eye.
• Occasionally lifts and transports supplies up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to concentrate on instruments and other visual stimuli.
• Observation of and rapid reaction to changeable situations.