CO Ophthalmic Technician

This ophthalmic technician position is in a large multi-specialty ophthalmology satellite clinic. The job requires multi-tasking to complete a variety of tasks. This position’s primary role is to provide technician/clinical support to physicians.

Secondary responsibilities include limited administrative duties such as responding to messages from patients and physicians and assisting with patient requests for refills, completion and tracking of forms (MVA, FLMA, etc.) and prior authorizations.

Specific duties & responsibilities:

CLINICAL:

- Records accurate patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
- Complete Epic training
- Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
- Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
- Instill eye drops under physicians’ direction.
- Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
- Measures and record intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e. Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
- Performs Humphrey visual field testing
- Performs OCT’s
- Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery
- Performs Pentacam measurements
- Performs accurate refractions.
- Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
- Screens for the presence of ocular motility disorders.
- Use a slit lamp to examine the eye surface.
- Performs special testing such as Tangent Field testing, Bright Field Acuity Testing; Potential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
- Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
- Possible participation in clinical research projects, compile and enter data for clinical studies
- Teach patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
- Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units.
- Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting units as needed in patients with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation, nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
- Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometry reading if unobtainable.
- Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
- Take fundus photos as needed.
- Assist with in office procedures
- Responsible for exam room supply maintenance
- Ensure medication expiration dates are current
- Responsible for maintaining instruments and preparation for sterilization
- Disinfect and maintain examination rooms
- Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control
- Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps containers, etc.
- Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.
- Maintain general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases, and ocular emergencies.
- Maintain required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification

NONCLINICAL:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

- Responsible for epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool) and patient questions
- Process refill requests,
- Complete prior authorizations for upcoming in office procedures
- Complete prior authorizations for medications
- Provide support to front desk staff by assisting in triage scheduled appointments, respond to patients’ clinical questions and explain technician related concerns to front desk staff
- Managing and ordering medications for intraviteral injections
- Assist with tracking and processing of forms request (ie MVA, disability, FLMA)
- Provide input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
- This position is also responsible for other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

- High School Diploma or graduation equivalent
- One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician. Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Asst (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date. CPR certification also required.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE  
Starting Salary Range: $20.25 - $36.25 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: JH at Bethesda  
Department name: SOM Oph Satellites  
Personnel area: School of Medicine