Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The COA Ophthalmic Scribe is responsible for providing accurate documentation, summarization and recommendations of the ocular and retinal examination while maintaining patient flow. We are a growing visionary clinical trials department leading the way in gene therapy. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Correctly summarizes and documents what the physician says during an examination, including but not limited to: proper charting of the examination, documenting additions to the chief complaint, assessment and recommendations for treatment (including justification of decisions reached when appropriate)
• Observes the patient and the physician and assists when appropriate during the exam, including but not limited to: holding the patient’s head in the slit lamp, providing additional medications and/or instruments, following directions in a medical emergency.
• Maintains an awareness of the patient’s verbal and non-verbal communication when the physician is providing instructions as it may necessitate the writer repeating information, providing written instructions, and/or patient education materials for the patient to review at home
• Ensures patient understands all instructions

• Maintains patient flow, by ensuring that patient rooms are always occupied.
• Remains as close to the physician as possible and limits time away from the physician and the patient
• When applicable, prepares accurate prescriptions for the physician’s signature prior to the completion of the examination
• Alerts physician to patient-related forms that need completion
• Maintains surgical appointment book
• Accurately fills out special testing orders, tracks and ensures results are obtained and given to physicians
• When appropriate, completes fee slip and/or the checkout form, providing directions to the patient prior to following the physician
• Learns the personality and preferences of each physician, recognizing differences and abiding by them when working with that physician
• Becomes fluent in the exact requirements of each examination
• Accommodates the needs of the patient for the exam
• Also performs all functions of the Ophthalmic Assistant when needed
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and examination rooms including:
  • Calibration of equipment as needed
  • Changing bulbs
  • Clean and stock exam rooms and clinical areas
  • Check expiration dates of open medications. 
• Report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner. 

• Attend staff meetings as required
• Maintains strictest confidentiality; adhere to all HIPPA guidelines/regulations.
• Performs other duties as required

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, write and communicate and present a neat professional appearance
• Familiarity with medical terminology and experience in a customer service environment preferred
• Demonstrate working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms and ocular mediations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Experience with computers
• Must be organized and detail oriented 
• Create a good impression as a friendly, empathetic, composed, and efficient individual to the patient
• Demonstrate reliability, a pleasant attitude, and a willingness to perform the duties as required
• Ability to maintain and comply with patient confidentiality and integrity policy on all matters

EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• One (1) year of work experience in a similar role preferred
• JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Certification required