Job Purpose Statement:

Under general supervision of the Practice Administrator and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Benioff Children’s’ Hospital Oakland, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Orthoptist will provide patient services under direct or indirect ophthalmologist supervision. The Orthoptist will see patients under the supervision of the attending pediatric ophthalmologist and will provide patient care and technical support for pediatric ophthalmology patients and adults with binocular vision problems, eye movement disorders and strabismus.

Essential Functions:

Essential Function: Clinical Care

• Provide patient services under direct or indirect supervision of the Ophthalmologist. Additionally, diagnoses and treats patients seen in clinic, conducts evaluations and performs diagnostic testing as needed.
• Record a complete ocular and medical history.
• Perform Qualitative and Quantitative assessment of visual acuity in pre-verbal, illiterate, literate, and non-English speaking patients.
• Measure spectacle power, including prism, perform assessment of the eye alignment and detection and measurement of strabismus using both subjective and objective techniques.
• Through interpretation of test results, helps the ophthalmologist design a treatment plan for patient.
• Under the direct/indirect supervision of an ophthalmologist, the Orthoptist designs and/or monitors a program of non-surgical treatments of:
  • Strabismus
  • Amblyopia
  • Disorders of binocular vision including pre- and post-operative sensorimotor evaluations
  • Management of diplopia

Essential Function: Coordination and Communication

• Participate in communicating the specific needs of patients to care providers. Act as liaison between ophthalmologist and patient or parents.
• Complete forms and prepare referral letter(s).
• Assist in coordination of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus patient care with direction from the supervising physician.

• Facilitate communication between departments to promote problem-solving efforts and to ensure delivery of service and functions.

Essential Function: Other Clinical responsibilities

• Facilitate continuity of care and education to patients
• May accompany the surgeon to the operating room and function as a scrub nurse or an assistant.
• May participate in clinical research and education of ophthalmic technicians, medical students and/or residents and fellows.
• Other duties as assigned.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge, understanding and ability to operate visual testing equipment
• Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
• Demonstrates proficiency in electronic medical record documentation (Epic / Apex)

Minimum Education:

• Bachelors’ degree preferably in biological sciences or a related field
• Completed an accredited orthoptist program preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Two years of experience as an Orthoptist in pediatric ophthalmology and/or adult strabismus clinic

Additional Minimum Requirements:

• Certification by the American Orthoptist within two years of hire. If pending certification, employee must work under supervision of provider.
• Current BLS Certification
• Ability to work with diverse patient population.
• Ability to work well under pressure and provide exceptional care.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit: Up to 8 hours/day
• Stand/Walk: 3-6 hours.
• Bend/Stoop: Up to 3 hours
• Reach: Up to 3 hours
• Rep Use of UE/Grasp: Up to 8 hrs.
• Lift/Push/Pull: 40 lbs.
• Physically able to perform CPR and comply with all infection control standards and policies. This job requires the ability to hear alarms clients and/or instruction. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of this position.