Ophthalmic Technologist

Responsibilities

• Performs complex technical assignments which are broadly outlined, requiring theoretical insight and interpretation, and allows latitude for planning and modifying methods and techniques.
• 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.
• Provides intermediate to advanced diagnostic testing and imaging.
• Machines and equipment used include those listed in Ophthalmic Technologist III; Phoropters (plus and minus cylinders); Prisms; Goldman and Perkins tonometers; sit lamp; Keratometer; Exophthalmometer; D-15 color vision equipment; IOLMaster; A-SCAN, B-SCAN, UBM, ERG, mERG, OCT, fundus camera.
• Able to perform 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 a patient's refractive error and obtain best corrected visual acuity.
• Works in both plus and minus cylinders.
• Measures the intraocular pressure using a tonopen, a Goldmann tonometer or a Perkins tonometer.
• Performs a basic slit lamp examination and has the ability to check anterior chamber depth using the slit lamp.
• Takes external ocular measurements including keratometry, exopthalmometry and levator measurements.
• Performs 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.
• Is able to use the IOL Master in taking measurements of the eyes including axial length, K-readings and anterior chamber depth (automated readings).
• Accompanies the physician into the exam room to transcribe the history and examination as given by the patient and the physician.
• Aid the physician with documentation of the patient's medical record.
• Transcribes the impression and plan, results of tests, prescriptions, and orders.
• Documents any procedures that may be performed by the physician or ophthalmic medical personnel.
• Transcribes any consultations or discussions with family members.
• Performs clerical and information technology functions for providers in the clinic setting, including primary responsibility for the operation of the electronic health records software.
• Trains other Technologists. Includes training both for skill sets that will be required while working in the department, help to prepare for certifications in studies, as well as helping technicians prepare for certification tests (COA, COT, and COMT).
• The Technologist may also be requested to lecture.
• Helps to set up additional training with other qualified personnel or physicians, prepare study materials, or order materials and books for fellow Technologists.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus training/coursework in optometry, ophthalmology or related field; or High school diploma plus 1-2 years of closely related clinical experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Possesses basic knowledge of optics including plus and minus lenses and their use with patients who are myopic, hyperopic, and have astigmatism.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knows common drugs used for ocular diseases such as glaucoma, infections, retina problems and steroid use.
• Understands how these medications work both within the eye and systemically required.
• Certification by the registry of the Joint Commission of Allied Health in Personnel Ophthalmology, or other nationally recognized professional certifying body required.