What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Veterinary Technician - Ophthalmology position at Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency and Referral?
About Us
Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency & Referral (BVER) is a collaborative, multi-specialty hospital located in Portland, Oregon. Our team includes specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cardiology and Radiology, supported by highly skilled technicians and client service professionals.
We are a medicine and culture focused organization that values teamwork, integrity, compassion, and continuous learning. Our goal is to create an environment where both people and pets feel supported.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to join our Ophthalmology team. This role is well suited for a detail-oriented technician who enjoys specialty medicine, has strong technical skills, and is interested in developing advanced knowledge of veterinary ophthalmology.
The Ophthalmology CVT will play an important role in supporting ophthalmic examinations, diagnostics, procedures, surgery, anesthesia, and ongoing patient care. You will work closely with our ophthalmologist and specialty team to provide high-quality patient care while helping clients understand their pet's diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing needs.
This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a specialty environment.
Schedule
- Full-time
- 3, 12 hour shifts, Thursday - Saturday
- Ophthalmology schedule may evolve as the service continues to grow
What You’ll Do
Ophthalmic Patient Care
- Provide compassionate and attentive care to ophthalmology patients throughout their visit
- Assist with comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and patient handling
- Administer ophthalmic medications and other prescribed treatments
- Monitor patients for changes in comfort, ocular condition, and overall health
- Provide appropriate post-procedure and post-operative care
- Assist with client education regarding medications, home care, and treatment plans
Diagnostics & Procedures
- Assist with ophthalmic diagnostics and procedures
- Prepare patients, equipment, and supplies for examinations and procedures
- Assist with diagnostic testing and sample collection as directed
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records
- Prepare and maintain ophthalmic equipment and treatment areas
- Ensure supplies are appropriately stocked and organized
Surgery & Anesthesia Support
- Assist with ophthalmic surgical procedures and related patient preparation
- Prepare surgical equipment and patients for procedures
- Provide anesthesia support, including monitoring and recovery, as needed
- Monitor patients closely throughout procedures and communicate changes promptly
- Assist with perioperative medications, pain management, and patient recovery
- Maintain accurate anesthesia and procedural documentation
Client Communication & Education
- Provide compassionate, professional communication with clients throughout their pet's care
- Reinforce treatment plans and medication instructions provided by the ophthalmologist
- Demonstrate and explain ophthalmic medication administration when appropriate
- Answer routine client questions and appropriately identify when additional questions should be directed to the medical team
- Help create a positive and supportive client experience
Team-Based Care
- Collaborate closely with the ophthalmologist, technicians, assistants, and other hospital teams
- Communicate patient updates and concerns clearly and promptly
- Anticipate team needs and help maintain an organized and efficient workflow
- Participate in case discussions and ongoing learning opportunities
- Contribute to a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment
What We’re Looking For
- Active CVT license in Oregon (or eligible for transfer)
- Minimum 2 years of experience as a CVT
- At least 1 year of ER, ICU, or specialty experience
- Strong technical and patient-care skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Compassionate, reliable, and patient-focused approach
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a collaborative team
Preferred:
- Previous veterinary ophthalmology experience, will train the right candidate
- Familiarity with ophthalmic medications and common ophthalmic conditions
- Experience assisting with ophthalmic diagnostics and procedures
- Experience with anesthesia and surgical patient monitoring
- Experience with SmartFlow, ezyVet, or similar systems
- Strong interest in developing advanced ophthalmology knowledge and skills
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Physical & Work Environment Expectations
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working with sick, painful, and recovering animals
- Comfortable working with biologic hazards and cleaning chemicals
- Ability to work in an environment with odors, noise, and fast-paced activity
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physical patient-care tasks throughout the shift
Compensation & Benefits
- $30–$35/hour DOE
- $5/hour hospital-wide overnight shift differential
Comprehensive Benefits Include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (HSA/FSA options)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid time off
- Generous CE allowance twice-monthly in-house CE
- Tuition assistance and professional development support
- License reimbursement and uniform allowance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee discounts
- And more
What Success Looks Like
- High-quality, compassionate care for ophthalmology patients
- Accurate and efficient support of ophthalmic examinations, diagnostics, and procedures
- Consistent and attentive medication administration and patient monitoring
- Strong preparation and organization for procedures and appointments
- Clear communication with the ophthalmologist, team members, and clients
- Accurate documentation and follow-through with treatment plans
- Confident and compassionate client education
- Continued growth in ophthalmic knowledge and technical skills
- Positive contributions to team culture and collaboration
Why Oncololgy?
If you are a skilled CVT who enjoys learning, working closely with specialists, and providing thoughtful care for patients with complex ophthalmic conditions, we would love to hear from you. At BVER, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced ophthalmology team while developing specialty knowledge and skills in a collaborative referral environment.
Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- License reimbursement
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $35