Ophthalmic Technician I

Under supervision of the department supervisors, the Ophthalmic Technician I is responsible for assisting the physician by gathering data pertaining to the patient's visual status and maintaining an environment conductive to the delivery of efficient, quality patient care.  The Ophthalmic Technician I is able to effectively perform appropriate clinical testing such as Visual Acuity Testing, Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Automated Refractometry, Pupil Assessment; Gross External Examination and eye drop instillation tonopen and or iCare. Participates in the care of patients in a clinical setting by performing various ophthalmic examinations; scheduling appointments and maintaining patient medical records. Responsibilities also include organizing and prioritizing work to ensure completion in a timely manner.

Position: Ophthalmic Technician I

Department: BMC Eye Clinics

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Greets patients and gathers demographic information and documents in the medical record.

• Screens each patient and completes preliminary examination according to each physician’s preference to include, documentation of chief complaint, history of present illness, allergies, current medication, and medical history.

• Performs indicated tests which may include: Visual Field Testing, OCT and Optos, Lensometry, Automated Refractometry, Pupil Assessment; Gross External Examination and eye drop instillation, tonopen and or iCare.

• Documents all procedures/decisions in the patient's medical record, under instruction from physician which may include facilitating and or scribing.

• Conducts fundamental patient education and counseling.

• Assists physician in preparing patient for laser surgery, basic maintenance and inventory of ophthalmic equipment and supplies. Sets up for surgical setting, such as preparation of tools and instruments.

• Assists the physician in surgical setting following established protocols and paying attention to patient’s clinical needs.

• Operates various clinical equipment. Records patients’ findings in patients’ medical record.

• Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of clinical area on own initiative and reports any malfunctioning equipment as observed to supervisor.

• Maintains a complete understanding of emergency procedures.

• Attends staff meetings and seminars.

• Adapts to changes based on departmental needs including but not limited to: offering assistance to other team members, floating, adjusting assignments, etc.

• Conforms to the hospital standards and conduct so that the best patient care may be provided.

• Utilizes hospital’s behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital’s mission and goals.

• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

• Performs other duties as needed.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Preferably one to two years education beyond high school (graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technology, Ophthalmic Assistant,  or Allied Health Professional program or equivalent preferred).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• No certification required; however, willing to work toward certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COA).

EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrates the ability to perform all duties listed on the Ophthalmic Technician I competency checklist, including previous experience working as an Ophthalmology Assistant.

• Experience must include:  history taking, ophthalmic patient services, general medical knowledge, and visual acuity testing.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Must have knowledge of medical terminology.

• Requires the analytical ability to understand and apply complex and semi-complex ophthalmic procedures and follow detailed instructions from the physician.

• Requires the interpersonal skills necessary to relate to patients in a sympathetic and tactful manner and allay patient apprehensions.

• Effective interpersonal skills necessary to relate to patients in a sympathetic and tactful manner and allay patient apprehensions.

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).  Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.

• Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.

• Optimistic attitude, strong customer service focus, and willing to work as a contributing member of a team.

• Requires knowledge of the Department’s policies, procedures and protocols normally acquired through on the job training.