Ophthalmic Tech 4 - Meridian

Responsibilities

• Performs complex technical assignments which are broadly outlined, requiring theoretical insight and interpretation.
• Exercises a high degree of skill, judgment, and an understanding of the principles and methodology of a technical field.
• Provides basic diagnostic testing and imaging.
• When working with a physician, spends most of the time working with patients and supporting physicians.
• Provides intermediate to advanced diagnostic testing and imaging.
• Performs visual acuity testing in newborns, infants, and small children or non-verbal adults by matching methods such as HOTV cards.
• Measures prisms using a lensometer.
• Performs manifest refractions using a phoropter, automated refractions if necessary, to properly measure patient’s refractive error and obtain best corrected visual acuity.
• Works in both plus and minus cylinders.
• Measures intraocular pressure using a tonopen, a Goldmann tonometer or a Perkins tonometer.
• Takes external ocular measurements, including keratometry, exopthalmometry and levator measurements.
• Completes intermediate color vision screening using Ishihara or HRR plates and D-15 color chips.
• Inserts and removes contacts lenses or teaches a patient insertion and removal techniques and contact lens care.
• Possesses intermediate knowledge of contact lens uses for medical use including keratoconus.
• Understands how to insert and remove special lenses and how to take care of them.
• Able to use the IOL Master in taking measurement of the eyes, including axial length, K-readings and anterior chamber depth.
• Trains other Technologists for skill sets required while working in the department.
• Helps to prepare for certifications in studies, as well as helping technicians prepare for certification tests.
• May be requested to lecture.
• Helps set up additional training with other qualified personnel or physicians, prepare study materials, or order materials and books for fellow Technologists.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and 1 year closely related clinical experience or training/coursework in optometry, ophthalmology or related field required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Possesses basic knowledge of optics including plus and minus lenses and their use with patients who are myopic, hyperopic, and have astigmatism required
• Understands the problems of presbyopia and how to correct for this and age values associated with this required
• Has intermediate ocular pharmacology knowledge of drops and medications used for eye examinations required
• Able to identify the purpose of these commonly used medications including proper administration, dosage, durations, common side effects, and know hospital policy about shelf life of these medications required
• Knows common drugs used for ocular diseases such as glaucoma, infections, retina problems and steroid use required
• Has the understanding on how these medications work both within the eye and systemically required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certification by the registry of the Joint Commission of Allied Health in Personnel Ophthalmology, or other nationally recognized professional certifying body upon hire required
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days required