Orthoptist

About the role

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation. At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families.

The Orthoptist will help manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the hospital satellite offices, as well as teaching and clinical research. The position will primarily involve clinical care in a busy multidisciplinary, academic environment with a high level of pathology and potential for involvement in the teaching and academic programs of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Assists the pediatric ophthalmology staff with the clinical evaluation of patients by:
  • Medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, medication reconciliation and summary of chief complaint
  • Vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other components of the ophthalmic examination
  • Escorting patients to and from waiting areas and exam areas
  • Administering medicated eye drops for cycloplegia
  • Retinoscopic and manifest refraction
  • Education and instruction of patients regarding glasses, patching, administration of medications, eye exercises
  • Documenting findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record
  • Consulting with appropriate physician as needed
  • Coordinating the timing of sequence of examination and requirements for scheduling additional tests, alerting proper clinical areas in order to facilitate patient flow, patient care, and clinic operation
• Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly for the management of amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients
• Teaches ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics
• Participates internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff
• Attends and presents at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses and technicians
• Participates in departmental research activities and may assume responsibility as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients, to be published in various orthoptic and ophthalmology journals
• Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, and conventions
• Delivers papers concerning own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree Required
• Experience: Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic Required
• Licenses & Certifications: Orthoptic Certification – American Orthoptic Council – within 12 months – Required

Skills

• Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills (Required proficiency)
• Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members (Required proficiency)
• Good stamina and good decision-making skills (Required proficiency)
• Basic computer skills required; previous experience with electronic medical records preferred (Required proficiency)
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing (Required proficiency)

Pay

Salary range: $83,700.00 – $106,700.00 annually (full-time). Pay for part-time roles will be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the noted range.

Schedule

Shift: Day (United States of America)