Ophthalmic Technician

Summary

An Ophthalmic Technician is a valuable asset to an Ophthalmologist, assisting in providing excellent patient care during visits. The role involves handling a wide range of duties and using equipment to perform initial testing needed to prepare a patient for an exam with an Ophthalmologist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone).
• Display a professional attitude, greet patients promptly with a smile, and thank them when they leave.
• Anticipate physician needs to facilitate the flow of the clinic.
• Practice urgency with patients’ time as well as the doctor’s schedule.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA.
• Verify patient information by interviewing the patient.
• Record patient medical history, current medications, and confirm purpose of visit.
• Enter all data into the patient’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Check condition of patients’ eyes by observing pupils, muscles, visual acuity, and extraocular movements.
• Perform dilation, refraction, intraocular pressure measurements, and a variety of diagnostic tests including visual fields, OCT, GDX, IOL master, auto refractor, and topography.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of eye anatomy, diseases, symptoms, and ocular medications.
• Accurately document medical visits and procedures as they are performed by the physician.
• Prepare patients for treatments and minor procedures; measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate) as required.
• Open and close exam rooms as needed.
• Keep examination, treatment, laser, and any other assigned rooms cleaned, stocked with supplies, and maintain drug counts.
• Perform general office duties and cleaning as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Provides excellent patient care and is energetic and empathetic.
• Complies with HIPAA confidentiality standards.
• Strong communication skills; able to coordinate and cooperate with all employee levels courteously and professionally.
• Organizational skills focused on tracking patient care and improving patient flow.
• Desire to gain industry knowledge and training.
• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals.
• Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change.
• Consistently creates a positive, team‑oriented, patient‑focused work environment.
• Commitment to work over 40 hours to meet business needs, including weekends when applicable.
• Reliable transportation to travel to multiple work locations with minimal notice.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Credentials

Current Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification is preferred but not required.

Systems and Technology

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Computer proficiency and ability to quickly learn new applications.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25–50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lb. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential for constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity—including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus—is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary.