JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Ophthalmic Technician provides expert clinical support to ophthalmologists in outpatient clinics, surgery centers, and hospital settings while serving as a technical and operational leader for ophthalmic staff. This role is responsible for overseeing clinical workflows, supporting specialized ophthalmic procedures, and ensuring quality and consistency in diagnostic testing. The Lead Technician routinely accompanies physicians to surgery centers and/or hospitals to assist with procedures and patient care, including hospital-based rounding activities. This position plays a critical role in promoting efficient operations, mentoring staff, and maintaining high standards of patient care, safety, and regulatory compliance.
JOB FUNCTIONS
Leadership and Oversight Responsibilities
- Serve as a lead resource and subject matter expert for ophthalmic technicians and support staff
- Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and mentoring to team members on clinical procedures and workflows
- Coordinate staff assignments to ensure appropriate coverage for clinic, procedures, surgery center activities, and hospital rounding
- Monitor workflow efficiency and identify opportunities for process improvement
- Assist leadership with onboarding, orientation, and competency validation of new staff
- Ensure adherence to clinical protocols, policies, and regulatory requirements
- Act as a liaison between physicians, surgery centers, hospital teams, and clinic staff to support communication and operational alignment
- Support quality improvement initiatives and participate in audits and performance monitoring
Special Procedures and Clinic Responsibilities
- Assist ophthalmologists with in-office and procedure-based interventions
- Provide clinical support to physicians in surgery center environments as assigned
- Prepare procedure rooms, instruments, and sterile fields
- Perform advanced ophthalmic diagnostic testing including:
- Visual acuity assessment
- Tonometry
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Visual field testing
- Fundus photography
- Administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops as directed
- Monitor patients pre and post procedure and report any concerns
- Ensure adherence to sterile technique and infection prevention standards
- Oversee accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation in the electronic medical record
- Educate patients on procedures and post-procedure care instructions
- Troubleshoot complex clinical or equipment-related issues
Hospital and Surgery Center Responsibilities
- Accompany ophthalmologists to hospitals and/or ambulatory surgery centers to support patient care and procedural needs
- Coordinate and round with ophthalmologist in hospital settings including inpatient units and emergency department
- Assist with ophthalmology consults, bedside examinations, and surgical support activities
- Transport, set up, and maintain portable ophthalmic equipment across locations
- Support bedside and procedural care under physician direction
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation of findings across care settings
- Facilitate care coordination and communication with hospital and surgery center care teams
- Serve as lead point of contact for ophthalmology-related workflow and operational issues across sites
General Duties
- Oversee maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of ophthalmic equipment across clinic, hospital, and surgery center settings
- Ensure exam rooms and procedural areas are stocked, organized, and compliant with standards
- Support clinic flow and provider efficiency while balancing team workload
- Travel between clinic locations, hospitals, and surgery centers is required based on physician schedules and operational needs
- Follow all safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements across all care settings
- Provide compassionate, patient-centered care
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA
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QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent . Required
- Associate's Degree . Preferred
Licenses and Certifications
- . COT - Certified Ophthalmic Tech. . Required
- CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation. . . Required
Work Experience
- 4-6 years. Ophthalmology experience with advanced procedures and diagnostics. Required
- 1-3 years. Prior lead, preceptor, or informal leadership experience. Required
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Expert knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, disease processes, and treatment modalities
- Advanced proficiency in diagnostic testing with ability to validate and interpret quality
- Deep understanding of ophthalmic instrumentation, calibration, and troubleshooting
- Strong knowledge of sterile technique and procedural best practices
- Ability to lead clinical workflows and optimize patient throughout
- Ability to train, mentor, and evaluate staff competency
- Strong leadership, decision making, and problem solving skills
- Advanced EMR proficiency and documentation accuracy
- Ability to manage competing priorities in high volume and high acuity environments
- Excellent communication skills with providers, staff, and interdisciplinary teams
- Strong attention to detail and focus on quality and safety outcomes
- Ability to identify process gaps and implement improvements
- Ability to maintain accountability for team performance and patient care standards
Physical Demands
A thorough completion of this section is needed for compliance with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Standing. Frequently
- Walking. Frequently
- Sitting. Occasionally
- Lifting/Carrying. Frequently 100 lbs
- Pushing/Pulling. Frequently
- Climbing. Occasionally
- Balancing. Occasionally
- Stooping/Kneeling/Bending. Frequently
- Reaching/Over Head Work. Occasionally
- Grasping. Frequently
- Speaking. Constantly
- Hearing. Constantly
- Repetitive Motions. Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordinations. Frequently
Benefits A****vailable
- Continuing Education
- 403B Retirement Plan with Employer Match Contributions
- Pet, Identity Theft and Legal Services Insurance
- Wellness Programs and Incentives
- Referral Bonuses
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical Benefits
- Dental Benefits
- Vision Benefits
- License + Certification Reimbursement
- Life, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, Group Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Employee Discount Program
- Other:
- Early Access to Earned Wages
- Tuition Assistance
- Relocation Assistance
- Paid Time Away
- Special Employee Rates at NMMC Wellness Centers
