What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ophthalmic Assistant position at Wilmington Eye?
Job Summary:
The Ophthalmic Assistant is a member of the Clinical Department and reports directly to the Lead Ophthalmic Technician/Clinical Manager. This individual is responsible for providing chair-side assistance to the physician, performing diagnostic tests as required by the ophthalmologist, and administering treatments as allowed and ordered by the physician.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Two years of experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience preferred.
Essential Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Positive team member with a professional attitude.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated computer literacy.
Clinical Skills and Patient Care:
- Must be able to accurately operate the following equipment:
- Lensometer
- A-scan
- Potential Acuity Meter (PAM)
- Humphrey Visual Field Machine
- Automated Tonometer
- Brightness Acuity Test (BAT) Machine
- Autorefractor
- Keratometer
- Phoropter
- Maddox Wing
- Tono-Pen
- Statim Sterilizer
- Projector
- Slit Lamp
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Use autorefractors and lensometers (automatic and manual).
- Perform visual field tests.
- Perform visual acuity and pinhole tests.
- Perform brightness acuity measurements as requested by the physician.
- Perform Schirmer's tests as ordered by the physician.
- Monitor patient flow, ensuring physician exam rooms remain occupied and patient care is efficient.
- Act as a scribe for the physician during patient examinations.
- Escort patients to the front desk following their exam.
Patient Education
- Review the use of the Amsler grid with patients for at-home monitoring.
- Review physician-generated instructions with patients.
- Provide appropriate patient education materials as directed by the physician.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Ensure exam rooms are cleaned, tidied, and sanitized between patients, including sinks and equipment.
- Clean all lenses used by physicians.
- Prepare for COA/COT/COMT certification exams.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Primary work areas are well lit; however, duties require working in darkened exam room throughout the day.
- Frequent movement between exam rooms and clinical areas is required.
- Must be able to sit when necessary.
- Fine motor skills are essential.
- The work environment can often be loud.