Part-time Ophthalmic Technician

Summary:

An ophthalmic technician is a versatile employee who plays an important role in patient care. That role includes familiarizing patients with eye care procedures they will undergo or experience while in an eye care center. This includes providing explanations of procedures and answering patient questions. Taking patient histories and updating medical fall into the job duties as well. In order to perform all the job duties, ophthalmic technicians are expected to be well versed in a number of areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, staff, Leadership, & Doctors & provide excellent patient centered customer service & experience.
• Acquaints all new patients with office procedures to which they will be exposed.
• Informs patients of the purpose of all tests personally performed, and how the patient will be affected during the tests.
• Obtains patient history to include chief complaint, history of present illness, past history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications.
• Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks to include:
• Visual acuity
• Manual lensometry
• Confrontational visual fields
• Stereo testing
• Evaluation of motility
• Pupillary function tests
• Applanation tonometry
• Refractometry
• Angle assessment
• Dilation of pupils
• Contact lens evaluations
• Visual field testing
• Optic nerve scanning (i.e. OCT, HRT, GDx)
• Pachymetry
• Corneal topography
• Other tasks specific to the physician’s needs as a result of new technologies
• Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe.
• Triage
• Determines which patient should be taken next from the waiting room to have testing initiated.
• Escorts patients from the waiting room for data collection.

• Advises patients as to who will see them following testing and makes patients comfortable during wait.
• Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required.
• Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions.
• Repair/trouble shoot machines, computers, equipment as necessary.
• Communicates with reception to facilitate proper patient flow.

Administrative

• Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities.
• Maintains cleanliness in exam and procedure rooms.
• Maintains back up levels of stock in exam and procedure rooms.
• Performs other duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma
2. Experience in Ophthalmology/Optometry or Medical Field Preferred but not necessary.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Training is provided):

1. Comprehension & ability to perform ophthalmic assistant skills.
2. Basic understanding of optics and the ability to perform refractometry.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Empathetic personality with concern for patients’ needs.
5. Strong organization with attention to detail.
6. Ability to work as a team member.
7. Demonstrated comprehension of the principles of optics, refraction, and contact lenses.
8. Demonstrated ability to meet productivity expectations.
9. Demonstrated computer literacy.

Working Conditions:

Fast-paced, high traffic, medical office.

Physical Demands:

Requires standing for long periods of time, also stooping, bending and stretching. Occasional lifting is required. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard and other medical equipment as necessary. Vision should be correctable, and hearing should be sufficient for patient contact and telephone/paging.