Ophthalmic Technician

Position Summary:

The Ophthalmic Technician plays a key role in assisting the Ophthalmologist in providing advanced vision correction procedures using lens replacement, Lasik surgery, implantable contact lenses, and other corneal refractive procedures to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. This position involves conducting pre-operative diagnostic tests, assisting during surgical procedures, and providing post-operative patient education. The ideal candidate has strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Operative Duties:

• Must be able to perform manifest refraction and applanation tonometry
• Prepares examination, testing and treatment rooms for each patient and maintains accurate documentation during exam
• Operate and calibrate ophthalmic equipment, ensuring optimal performance
• Obtains patient history, performs routine vision examinations (including visual acuity, color vision and depth perception tests), administers eye medications, and assists with minor office procedures and injections
• Conducts comprehensive pre-operative assessments, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field testing and fundus photography as well as applanation tonometry, manifest refractions, corneal topography, wavefront analysis, pachymetry, biometry, and pupillometry
• Perform tear film assessments and assist in dry eye evaluations as needed
• Administer eye drops, anesthetic drops, and dilation drops as per physician instructions
• Educate patients about refractive surgery options, risks, benefits, and post-operative care
• Sends in all medications for patients, oversees prescription and sample stock, completes forms for prior authorizations, and work and government paperwork
• Handles triage calls and questions throughout clinic hours
• Orders contact lenses for office and patient use

Surgical Assistance:

• Assist with minor surgical procedures and prepare instruments and equipment for procedures
• Assist surgeons in setting up and calibrating lasers for refractive procedures
• Ensure proper sterilization and preparation of surgical instruments and equipment
• Assist in the operating room (OR) during procedures, handling instruments, and monitoring the patient’s comfort.
• Troubleshoot ophthalmic surgical equipment and maintain proper functionality
• Enters surgical data and outcomes

Post-Operative Care & Follow-Up:

• Perform post-operative assessments, including visual acuity checks, slit-lamp exams, and assessing corneal healing
• Educate patients on post-op medication use, activity restrictions, and recovery timelines
• Address patient concerns and coordinate follow-up visits

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate degree or certification in ophthalmic technology is preferred
• Certification: COA, COT, or COMT preferred
• Experience: Prior experience in refractive surgery, ophthalmology, or optometry is strongly preferred
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in operating ophthalmic equipment, corneal topography, wavefront aberrometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), manifest refraction, applanation tonometry and other diagnostic tests
• Familiarity with Excimer and Femtosecond laser systems
• Knowledge of pre/post-operative evaluations
• Soft Skills:
• Strong patient communication and education skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills

Salary & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and certifications
• Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, bonus, and continuing education opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person