Eye Associates of New Mexico has an outstanding career opportunity as a Lead Tech (COA)!

Does your job have meaning? Sight . . . is a precious gift!

Eye Associates of New Mexico is the largest Ophthalmology and Optometry practice in the Southwest. We have been serving the state of New Mexico since 1976 with compassionate, state-of-the-art, value-based care. Our team approach aims to deliver the highest quality eye care to all while striving to support our employees’ professional development. Perhaps these are some of the reasons why our employees have voted us TOP WORK PLACES locally and nationally since 2022! Come be a part of our team!

The Lead Tech (COA) Provides technical support to physicians for the purposes of patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care. Gathers information about the patient through questioning, observation and the completion of various tests and procedures. Facilitates patient exam and protects the physician's time through maximum preparatory and follow-up care. Responsible for appropriate procedure room preparation and equipment/supplies inventory. Acts as an ambassador for quality care and customer service. Has achieved the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification. Additionally, performs as a role model in training and orienting employee in their staff position.

Job Duties Include:

• Prepares patient's electronic medical record by documenting history, medications and other pertinent information as needed. Keeps charts organized to ensure that patients are seen in the proper order.
• Documents patient history (determines and records general medical history, pertinent family medical history, and ocular history)
• Determines patient's visual acuity (uses lensometer to ascertain current correction, if any; refracts patient to determine best-corrected visual acuity)
• Checks pupillary measurement
• Determines intraocular pressure
• Checks muscle motility
• Performs confrontation visual fields
• Performs slit lamp exams
• Performs retinoscopy and refraction
• Administers dilating drops when appropriate
• Demonstrates knowledge of pharmacology
• Prepares instruments for minor in-office procedures (e.g., suture removals, chalazion excisions, tear duct probings, etc.)
• Makes certain that exam lanes are stocked with needed medications, dressings and miscellaneous supplies
• Under doctor's direction, administers medications and applies dressings as needed
• Keeps exam rooms occupied and patient flow moving
• Carefully and accurately charts proceedings and results of all patient visits
• Authorizes medication refills according to guidelines established by the physicians; documents those refills in the patient's medical record; advises patient if office exam is needed before refill can be authorized
• Handles technician calls to determine if and when patients need to be seen
• Demonstrates knowledge of when and how to do special tests (e.g., BAT, PAM, Topo's, keratometry, Formal VF's, amsler grid, schirmer's test, etc.)
• Demonstrates knowledge of axial length measurement for IOL power
• Functions as a role model to each staff employee, both in orientation and training of their specific function.
• Temporarily directs the work of other tech staff members in the Supervisor/Clinic Director absence
• Answers phones and assists patients with appointment scheduling in receptionist's absence.
• Other duties as assigned
• May be asked to prepare staff schedules
• Handles tech call-ins, modifying technician assignments to ensure best coverage
• Assists with annual evaluations as requested by clinic director
• Coordinates with Technical Staff Trainer for new hire training and ongoing educational needs
• Assists with time edits as requested by Clinic Directors
• Contributes to the effective utilization of clinic staff and material resources
• (If Applicable) Demonstrates general knowledge in the ophthalmology specialty and assists in planning and preparing the operating room appropriately for the surgical procedure
• (If Applicable) Evaluates and coordinates activities during surgical procedures by anticipating surgeon's needs and necessary supplies.
• (If Applicable) Reviews physician preference cards, gathers instruments, supplies and equipment and assists with room turnover
• (If Applicable) Assists the surgeon with various types of surgical procedures by maintaining current knowledge of various procedures and supplies
• (If Applicable) Adheres to proper surgical procedures of aseptic technique and safety in the use of instruments and equipment, while assuring the surgical team also adheres to the principles of sterile technique
• (If Applicable) Maintains an accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments (when appropriate) and signs documentation
• (If Applicable) Decontaminates instruments and autoclave instrument trays as required
• (If Applicable) Maintains current knowledge of anatomy and physiology and identifies medications and solutions used intra-operatively by labeling them appropriately
• (If Applicable) Assures that specimens are handled correctly and routed to the proper source and initials documentation
• (If Applicable) Keeps circulating nurse informed and abreast of situations changing in the procedure
• (If Applicable) Removes instruments and supplies from OR at the end of the case and appropriately disposes of drapes and sharps
• (If Applicable) Ensures that OR's are stocked and that excess sterile items or equipment are removed and stored appropriately
• (If Applicable) Assists in orientation of new staff and serves as a resource person and clinical expert
• (If Applicable) Complies with sterilization, infection, safety and Surgery Center policies. Participates in the Surgery Center Quality program and monitoring
• (If Applicable) Coordinates and maintains supplies. Cleans and stores equipment. Processes broken equipment as directed.
• (If Applicable) Accurately documents result of physician's exam in patient's chart
• (If Applicable) Correctly codes/charges out PSRs
• (If Applicable) Works directly with the receptionist to ensure that patients are scheduled appropriately for follow-up appointments
• (If Applicable) Works with surgery scheduling to coordinate patient surgical appointments
• (If Applicable) Proofreads and/or participates in the creation of patient dictation
• (If Applicable) Demonstrates the ability to anticipate the physician's needs

Skills/Qualifications:

• Position requires high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Must be certified at the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) level.
Must demonstrate competency in the defined content areas for a COA per HR Policy #2.29
• -Technician Training and Competency Expectations, as reviewed by the Technical Staff Trainer.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, a strong customer service orientation and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills are preferred.
• At the COT level, theoretical knowledge of the calculating components is expected.
• Ability to review current/past Manifest refraction, keratometry and A-scan and troubleshoot results that are greater than .3mm in length between each eye.
• Typing skills of at least 35 words per minute are desirable.

What we offer:

• Career Path
• Higher pay in areas where the cost of living is higher
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Eight (8) company paid holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve!)
• Medical and Dental
• Generous Vision benefits for you and your dependents
• Education Assistance Program
• Uniform (scrub) allowance
• 401(k) and Roth Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Company paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Free Calm app
• Financial Wellness Program
• Identity Theft Protection Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• and more!

Integrity * Patient Focus * Adaptability * Community * Excellence

Eye Associates of NM is a safe team oriented culture supporting a drug-free work environment. To learn more about this position and our organization, please visit www.eyenm.com

AA/EOE/Disability. Eye Associates of New Mexico is a drug and tobacco-free employer

Req 2244