Ophthalmic Tech II

About the role

This position involves direct patient care, indirect patient care, documentation, telephone communication, and time management within an ophthalmology clinic.

Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care

• Understands the complexity of prescribing glasses for distance, intermediate, near, and astigmatism (refraction/refinement).
• Proficiently performs Manifest Refraction and Refinement, interpreting patient’s subjective responses.
• Completes the four steps of refinement: Sphere, Cylinder, Axis, Sphere.
• Assesses information from auto-refraction and/or patient’s current glasses in relation to vision and eye health.
• Accurately uses the Jackson Cross Cylinder for refining axis.
• Accurately fogs vision and refines patient to obtain binocular balancing.
• Presents recommended Rx to the physician based on clinical findings and patient tolerances.
• Performs Goldmann Applanation Tonometry to obtain intraocular pressures.
• Assesses anterior chamber angle depth with the biomicroscope prior to dilating.
• May perform fundus photography and/or A-scan biometry.

Indirect Patient Care

• Orders tests and assists nurses or providers in communicating results according to department protocol or physician order.
• Reports abnormal findings, patient complaints, or concerns to physicians, team leads, supervisors, or nurses as appropriate.
• Triages, prioritizes, and completes messages, communicating information to patients in a timely manner.
• Explains procedures and test results using language appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding, guided by department protocols or instructions.
• Serves as an advocate and liaison between patients, staff, physicians, and external customers by sharing necessary information to ensure continuity of care.

Documentation

• Provides consistent and accurate documentation of patient information, care, and concerns in the EMR according to department guidelines.
• Completes vouchers, referrals, and requisitions with all appropriate information, including medical record number and service codes or using EMR.
• Completes all patient documentation within two full clinic business days after care and/or services have been provided.

Telephone Communication

• Answers the telephone promptly within three rings, transferring calls when appropriate.
• Utilizes departmental and clinic scripting, including restating information to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Displays a courteous, alert, and pleasant tone of voice, speaking clearly and in a relaxed manner.
• Transfers calls when appropriate, staying on the line and announcing where and why the call was transferred.
• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers.

Time Management

• Monitors patient flow by keeping rooms clean, stocked, and available and maintains adequate inventory.
• Checks equipment and trays for proper functioning and availability during busy times.
• Demonstrates flexibility by performing additional duties under the direction of licensed nursing staff or the provider.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3–5 years of experience in ophthalmology and proficiency in refracting and applanation tonometry.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to type a minimum of 20 words per minute (preferred).
• CPR Certification within 90 days.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to successfully complete clinic-based training for all associates.
• Ability to work with all levels of personnel and under stressful situations.
• Frequent periods of extended standing and sitting.
• Possible lifting and assisting of patients.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.
• For patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient is unable to assist, patient handling equipment is expected to be used with at least one other associate when available.
• Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.