Ophthalmic Technician I / Research Visual Acuity Examiner
Retina Northwest, P.C.
Full-time | $20 to $24 per hour w/ +$4.00/ hour differential for VA hours
Portland, Lake Oswego, Sylvan, Beaverton, Vancouver, and Salmon Creek
At Retina Northwest, our work is about more than eye care. Many of our patients come to us during stressful and uncertain moments, and we are here to help protect their sight while providing a supportive, compassionate experience. For more than 40 years, we have cared for patients across Oregon and Washington as a physician-led practice built on teamwork, compassion, and doing what is right for patients. As we grow, we are focused on building a workplace where people feel supported, take pride in their work, and care deeply about the patients they serve.
We are hiring an Ophthalmic Technician I / Research Visual Acuity Examiner to join our team. This hybrid role splits scheduled time between the research department and regular clinic operations. When assigned to research duties, the employee serves as a Research Visual Acuity Examiner and performs protocol refraction, ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity testing, and other assigned study testing for patients enrolled in clinical trials, working closely with Study Coordinators and physicians. The remainder of scheduled time is worked as an Ophthalmic Technician I supporting regular clinic patient care.
What You’ll Do
The balance between research time and clinic time will vary from week to week based on research patient census, training and certification status, staffing, and business need. The primary focus of the research portion of this role is patient safety, accurate protocol testing, proper documentation, and the protection of patients as study subjects. When functioning as an Ophthalmic Technician I, you will support physicians and the clinical team in caring for patients with retinal and vitreous conditions. You will help prepare patients for visits, perform testing and imaging, support procedures, document visits, and help keep clinic flow moving.
Research Visual Acuity Examiner Key responsibilities include:
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Performs protocol refraction and ETDRS best-corrected visual acuity testing according to each study protocol and applicable certification standards.
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Performs additional protocol vision testing as required by individual studies, which may include low luminance visual acuity, low contrast testing, and reading acuity assessments.
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Obtains and maintains visual acuity examiner certifications with sponsor-designated certification vendors before performing study testing, and completes recertification and study-specific training as required by each protocol.
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Obtains and maintains GCP certification within the timeframe required by RNW research policies.
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Maintains masking and examiner independence requirements when required by a study, including limiting access to prior test results as specified by the protocol. When serving as the masked examiner for a research patient, does not perform other technician duties for that patient's study visit if the protocol requires examiner independence.
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Documents all study testing accurately and completely in source documents according to study requirements, medical record standards, and clinic guidelines.
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Supports the setup, calibration, and maintenance of certified visual acuity testing lanes and equipment according to protocol and vendor requirements.
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Works collaboratively with Study Coordinators, physicians, and clinical staff to keep research visits on schedule and to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of human subjects in accordance with all applicable regulations.
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Communicates protocol questions, testing concerns, and potential deviations promptly to the Study Coordinator or Practice Manager.
Ophthalmic Technician I Key responsibilities include:
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Greet and prepare patients for their visit
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Collect medical history, medications, allergies, and other relevant information
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Perform screening tests and measurements
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Assist with OCT imaging and other assigned diagnostic testing
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Support injection preparation, room setup, and patient positioning
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Document information accurately in the medical record
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Help maintain clinic flow, room turnover, and follow-up tasks
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Assist with front desk responsibilities as needed
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Keep exam rooms and clinical areas clean, organized, and stocked
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Travel between clinic locations to support patient care
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is warm, dependable, organized, and comfortable in a fast-paced clinic setting. You should communicate well, work well with others, and be willing to travel between locations.
Prior clinical research experience preferred but not required. Prior experience performing refractions as an ophthalmic technician, optometric technician, or in a similar role strongly preferred.
Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Demonstrated proficiency in manifest refraction required
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Ability to obtain and maintain study-required visual acuity examiner certifications with multiple certification vendors, along with GCP certification, with RNW covering associated costs.
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Ability to obtain and maintain active Washington Medical Assistant Registration, with RNW covering associated fees
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Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance
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Ability to travel regularly between clinic locations
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Ability to work variable hours based on clinic needs
Preferred qualifications:
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Prior experience performing refractions as an ophthalmic technician, optometric technician, or in a similar role strongly preferred.
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Prior clinical research experience preferred but not required.
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JCAHPO certification preferred, but not required
Pay and Benefits
Pay for this position is $20 to $24 per hour with +$4.00 per hour differential for hours performing Research VA work.
Retina Northwest offers a strong benefits package for eligible employees, including:
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Fully paid employee medical, dental, and vision coverage
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401(k) with employer contributions and profit sharing
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Paid time off and paid holidays
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Mileage reimbursement for approved travel between sites
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Employee Assistance Program
Additional benefits include life insurance, long-term disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and continuing education support. Benefits begin on the first day of the month following 60 days from date of hire. Medical, dental, vision, and FSA benefits begin at 24+ hours per week, and life, disability, and EAP benefits begin at 36+ hours per week.
Growth Opportunity
For someone who enjoys learning and building skills over time, this role can offer a path forward. At Retina Northwest, technician growth may lead to Tech II and Tech III opportunities with more independence, broader clinical responsibilities, and a greater role in supporting workflow, training, and the day-to-day success of the team.
Physical and Mental Demands
This role is performed in a medical office and clinic setting and requires the ability to stay focused, organized, and professional in a fast-paced environment. Employees should be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, use hands and fingers for typing and handling clinical equipment, and occasionally bend, reach, push, pull, or lift supplies or equipment as needed.
The role also requires clear communication, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while working closely with patients, physicians, and coworkers throughout the day.
Clinic Locations: St. Vincent’s Medical Center, East Pavilion, 6th Floor, Portland OR; Sylvan Hill, Highlands Building, 2nd Floor, Portland OR; Providence Portland Medical Center, 4th Floor, Portland OR; Oswego Town Square, 1st Floor, Lake Oswego OR; Vancouver Stonemill Center, 1st Floor, Vancouver WA; Providence Seaside Medical Center, 1st Floor, Seaside OR
Administrative Office Location: 4225 NE St. James Road, Vancouver WA; Main Line 503-274-2121 and www.retinanorthwest.com
Retina Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
