Ophthalmic Technician

Job Title: Ophthalmic Technician

Department: Clinic

Reports To: Clinic Supervisor & Director of Clinical Leadership & Operations

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Summary:

The Ophthalmic Technician provides essential technical support to physicians and optometrists to ensure efficient clinic operations and exceptional patient care. This role is responsible for patient preparation, performing diagnostic testing, maintaining ophthalmic equipment, and supporting clinic workflows to deliver a seamless and professional patient experience. The Technician must consistently demonstrate clinical competence, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality, confidentiality, and compassionate care.

Additionally, the Technician will strive to anticipate the needs of patients and providers. They will model pleasant, professional, and collaborative behavior and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Essential Functions:

Patient Preparation & Support

• Greet patients in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.
• Will obtain and record accurate patient histories and updates information in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Prepares patients for examination by performing pre-test procedures, including autorefractor, confrontational field, stereo vision, color vision, lensometry, visual acuity, pupil check, motility, intraocular pressure (IOP), and dilation.
• Communicates the testing procedures clearly to patients to ensure comfort and cooperation.

Diagnostic Testing

• Perform diagnostic imaging and testing procedures, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus and slit-lamp photography, and visual fields.
• Maintains accuracy and attention to detail when documenting results and reviewing test quality.
• Operates clinical testing equipment in accordance with established protocols.

Clinical Assistance & Communication

• Assists providers during minor procedures as directed.
• Assists with minor in-office procedures, including setup, documentation, patient education, and cleanup using sanitization protocols.
• Must be comfortable working in close proximity to patients, including physical contact and potential exposure to blood during minor procedures.
• Administers ophthalmic drops under provider direction and according to protocol.
• Must have the ability to problem-solve and think critically in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicates effectively with fellow technicians, providers, and front-office staff to maintain smooth patient flow and efficient clinic operations.
• Directs patient questions regarding medical diagnoses or test results to the provider for response.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Cleans and maintains exam and procedure rooms in accordance with infection control and sanitization standards.
• Ensures proper functioning and care of diagnostic equipment; reports any issues promptly.
• Monitors and replenishes room supplies, reporting shortages to the appropriate supervisor.

Compliance & Confidentiality

• Adheres to HIPAA, OSHA, and company safety and confidentiality standards.
• Maintains professional and ethical conduct in all patient interactions.
• Supports compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Team Support

• Collaborates with peers to support consistent clinical standards and patient experience across all locations.
• Assists with training and onboarding of new technicians as requested.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and flexibility within a team environment.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Proficiency with ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Prior medical office or healthcare experience; ophthalmic or optometric technician experience.
• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) credential.

Position Requirements:

• Must successfully complete a comprehensive background check as a condition of employment, including prior to any transfer or promotion within the organization.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and cultural competence in all interactions.
• Maintains a consistently positive, collaborative, and professional demeanor.
• Exercises sound judgment, initiative, and a strong commitment to patient confidentiality.

Physical Requirements:

• Environment: Primarily a temperature-controlled facility.
• Work requires prolonged standing, bending, stooping, stretching, and occasional lifting of items up to 30 pounds.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate ophthalmic testing equipment, keyboards, and other office equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing, vision, and speech to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.
• Ability to maintain focus and composure in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Essential Physical Tasks:

• Sight – sufficient to read physical documents, and images on a computer monitor.
• Smell – sufficient to discern smoke/something burning, and other odors.
• Hear – sufficient to hold face to face/telephone/video call conversations, and to discern other ambient noises.
• Touch – sufficient to operate keyboard, mouse, other standard office equipment, and writing implements.
• Physical ability/strength – sufficient to lift, twist, turn, reach, climb, kneel, squat, sit, walk, stand, bend as needed throughout a standard shift.

Other Duties:

This job description does not comprise a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.