Position Overview
An Ophthalmic assistant/technician assists ophthalmologists within our practice by providing patient care. They perform various eye-related tasks and procedures to help the physician during the patient exam. They conduct diagnostic tests, take patient histories, explain procedures and assist with minor surgeries. Additionally, they manage patient records, maintain inventory, and ensure a smooth patient flow.
Essential Functions
Job Responsibilities
- Make introductions and establish rapport with patients. Initiate patient evaluation, documenting the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines.
- Perform pre-exam testing to include visual acuity assessment, including pinhole and glare testing, confrontational visual field testing, assess extraocular muscles, pupillary evaluation, tonometry, assess angles, pupillary dilation, and all other patient services as requested by the physician including special tests such as color vision screening, stereopsis, and dry eye testing.
- Perform lensometry and specialized testing such as visual fields, keratometry, A/B scans, and ophthalmic photography optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optical Biometry (IOL Master and Lensstar).
- Perform retinoscopy and refractometry.
- Assist with minor surgical procedures or laser treatments in the office.
- Complete requests for prescription refills as authorized by physician, with full documentation in patient chart.
- Educate patients regarding administration of medications and pre- and post-operative instructions as directed by physician.
- Assist with fitting contact lenses and instruct patients in care and insertion of lenses.
- Conduct inventory of ophthalmic supplies, including pharmaceuticals and instruments on a regular basis.
- Assist with maintenance of clinical examination equipment.
- Clean surgical instruments in preparation for sterile processing.
- Inspect instruments periodically for damage, send for repair, and request a replacement, as necessary.
- Check temperature of medical refrigerator daily.
- Check expiration date and inventory of culture plates, media, etc., kept in refrigerator and replace, as necessary.
- Open and close exam lanes daily, ensuring that equipment is wiped down in an appropriate manner, battery powered instruments are seated properly in re-charge wells, slit lamps and projectors are switched off under covers.
- Follow all safety procedures as per guidelines.
Work Experience
Required Experience:
Less than 1 year
Job Requirements Knowledge, skill, and experience:
- Outstanding interpersonal skills as well as a neat and professional appearance.
- One year of specialized ophthalmic experience is desirable or completion of on-the-job training upon hiring.
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential preferred.
Degree of supervision (i.e., direct, indirect), independence, and discretion:
- Position requires a great deal of initiative and the flexibility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Employee must comply by state/national guidelines to maintain patient confidentiality.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Ophthalmic Assistants work in clinical settings like ophthalmology offices or clinics, often alongside ophthalmologists or optometrists. They work in a well-lit and clean environment, spending a significant portion of their day on their feet assisting with patient care, performing diagnostic tests, and maintaining equipment. Their work can be fast-paced, requiring them to multitask and maintain accuracy. While they generally work during regular business hours, there may be some flexibility in scheduling.
Key aspects of the work environment:
Clinical Setting:
Ophthalmic technicians work in ophthalmology offices, clinics, or hospitals, often directly with patients and doctors.
Well-lit and Clean:
The work environment is generally well-lit and maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, especially when dealing with sterile equipment and procedures.
Standing and Walking:
Technicians spend a considerable amount of time on their feet, performing various tasks and moving between workstations.
Fast-Paced:
The work can be fast-paced, particularly in busy clinics, requiring the ability to manage multiple tasks and work efficientl.
Direct Patient Contact:
Technicians interact directly with patients, taking histories, performing tests, and assisting with procedures, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills, according to some job descriptions.
Maintaining Equipment:
A significant portion of their time is dedicated to maintaining and cleaning ophthalmic equipment and instruments.
Documentation and Record Keeping:
Ophthalmic technicians are responsible for accurate documentation of patient information and test results, often using electronic health record systems.
Potential for Flexibility:
While generally working standard business hours, some positions may require occasional evening or weekend work
Education
Required Degree Level:
High School
Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania provides on the job training and encourages each assistant to receive their Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification within 3 years of hire. The company will reimburse all the costs associated with the certification process.
