Ophthalmic Assistant

About the role

Responsible for general patient workups in the clinical area. The associate will work with patients, physicians, and staff to create the best atmosphere possible for the patient. The incumbent assists the physician with procedures, obtains medical history, reconciles medications, and records other information as required by the clinic.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and record accurate patient histories including chief complaint, present ocular status, ocular history, family history, past and present medical history, medications, and allergies.
• Obtain and record visual acuity measurements on adults, children, illiterate patients, and infants.
• Measure and record spectacle prescriptions, handle patient complaints, measure base curves, optical centers, prism of spectacles using both manual and automated devices.
• Perform tonometry in measurement of intraocular pressures using a variety of measuring devices.
• Perform and record refractometry on a variety of patients using retinoscopy, manifest techniques, and over refraction.
• Administer dilation/anesthetic drops.
• Perform brightness acuity testing (BAT).
• Perform and record color vision screening and diagnostic testing (Ishihara color plates, D-15, and Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue).
• Perform and describe pupillary functions as to light and accommodation, including specific abnormalities such as afferent defects, anisocoria, hippus, Adie’s, and surgical abnormalities.
• Conduct and record formal and informal visual fields including confrontation, Amsler Grid, Tangent Screen, Humphrey Automated perimetry, and Goldmann manual perimetry on a variety of patients (glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmological, oculoplastics, pediatric, retinal patients, etc.).
• Evaluate, perform diagnostic testing, and record information for neuro-ophthalmology patients including saccadic eye movements, one-meter and two-meter tangent screen testing, corneal sensitivity, pupil abnormalities, etc., as directed by the physician.
• Perform and record corneal assessment using a variety of devices (keratometer, corneal topographical mapping, pachymetry (manual and automated), slit lamp, biomicroscopy, and corneal diameter measurements).
• Perform diagnostic ultrasonography using A-Mode.
• Apply/remove eye patches and ocular dressings as directed by the physician (occlusive therapy, pressure patching, etc.).
• Assist in minor ocular surgical procedures as directed.
• Perform ocular biometry measurements.
• Clean exam/procedure rooms, instruments, and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control.
• Order, sort, store supplies, and restock exam and procedure rooms; monitor and ensure an adequate stock of medical supplies and proper functioning of medical equipment.
• Report deficiencies or problems in all areas to the manager.
• Inspect the working environment daily for compliance with company policies and procedures; ensure compliance with governmental regulations and standards.
• Monitor and maintain a sterile environment; recognize breaches in technique and take appropriate action to correct.
• Follow appropriate hand hygiene protocol at all times.
• Complete all required audits appropriately and completely, reporting any deviations or inefficiencies.
• Work with the physician and other personnel to maintain efficient workflows within the office.
• Facilitate and triage patient care telephone calls to determine appropriate follow-up and assist the patient courteously and timely; relay critical information to the physician quickly.
• Schedule visits using office protocol or direct consultation with the physician; use computer systems as required.
• Work with other staff to maintain the surgery schedule and efficiency, ensuring PAT and surgery receive appropriate information, updating and tracking the surgery schedule, and completing all authorizations.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Must obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
• One (1) year experience in Ophthalmology or Optometry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current certification as Ophthalmic Technician.

Skills

• Ability to work successfully under highly stressful conditions and adapt to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
• Ability to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific principles and collaborate with other multi-disciplinary team members.
• Ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to function as a team member with strong organization, communication, and task prioritization skills.
• Typing/keyboarding skills; strong ability to listen and absorb what the physician is saying and ascertain the physician’s needs.
• Must be a team player, work well with the general public, and multi-task in a busy atmosphere.
• Ability to cross-train in all areas of the clinic.
• Strong stomach to handle various odors and sights dealing with wounds.
• Manual dexterity to operate keyboards, fax machines, telephones, copiers, and other business equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping throughout the work shift.
• Must be able to read and write legibly in English; visual acuity must be within normal range.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Occasional lifting required in patient assistance.
• Frequently moving equipment (most of which is on wheels).

Working Environment

• Ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
• Exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants.
• Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.
• Ability to maintain concentration in and around noise from office machinery such as copiers, printers, scanners, and telephones.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Non-Exempt