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OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIAN

Department: Clinical

Reports to: Practice Administrator

About the Position: The Ophthalmic Technician is working under the supervision of an ophthalmologist/optometrist to perform clinical, diagnostic, and administrative tasks in an eye care setting. Responsible for conducting a range of diagnostic tests as ordered by the ophthalmologist or optometrist. This role includes working up patients, performing diagnostic testing, and various other diagnostic assessments. The technician must also be familiar with electronic health records (EHR) and be capable of entering correct information into a patient's chart to help with the care of the patient.

Required Education and Experience:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Additional education or certification as a certified ophthalmic assistant (COA) is a plus.
3. A minimum of one year of experience in ophthalmic office setting is required.
4. Proficiency in using diagnostic equipment such as visual field, OCT, Fundus photography, and corneal topography is necessary.
5. Demonstrated interest in expanding ophthalmic clinical knowledge is preferred.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of electronic health records (EHR).
2. Knowledge of eye anatomy and functions.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
6. Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive workups on four patients per hour.
7. Commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
8. Ability to position patients into diagnostic equipment and assist patients with mobility issues, particularly those in wheelchairs.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Skills and Examinations

1. Acquaints all new patients with the office procedures to which they will be exposed.
2. Informs patients of the purpose of all tests personally performed and how they will be affected during the tests.
3. Obtains and documents ocular, medical, medication, social, and family history.
4. Performs the visual assessment and records visual acuity appropriately, using pinhole occlude.
5. Tests and records visual acuity on preliterate, illiterate, non-verbal, or foreign language patients.
6. Defines low vision.
7. Tests and records stereoacuity.
8. Perform diagnostic tests, including visual fields, OCT, Fundus photography, corneal topography, and other assigned tests.
9. Completes pupil assessment and records measurements, evaluation, shape, and RAPD.
10. Performs tonometry with a hand-held applanator, applanation tonometry; and demonstrates the ability to clean and disinfect tonometers.
11. Conducts ocular motility testing, including near point convergence, near point accommodation, cover tests, strabismus with prisms, stereoacuity, and nystagmus.
12. Performs refraction and refinement, using different refraction techniques.
13. Calculates and records spherical equivalence and determines near add for bifocals, trifocals, and multifocals.
14. Performs biometry for diagnostic/standardized A-scan and B-scan.
15. Completes supplemental testing, including glare testing (e.g., BAT), Potential Acuity Meter (PAM), proper use of the slit lamp and pen lights.
16. Performs and records color vision using color plates.
17. Performs pachymetry.
18. Assist with other tasks specific to the physician’s needs as a result of new technologies.
19. Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe.
20. Assists physician with laser procedures & minor surgery, maintaining practice standards of sterile technique and infection control as needed.
21. Educate patients about the testing process and address any questions or concerns

Triage

1. Determines which patient to call next from the waiting room to have testing initiated.
2. Escorts all patients from the waiting room for data collection.
3. Advises patients as to who will see them after work up and testing.
4. Make patients comfortable during the wait for the physician
5. Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician.
6. Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions.
7. Escorts patients from the clinical area to the check-out station or optical dispensary when necessary.
8. Communicates with the reception staff to facilitate proper patient flow.

Instrument Maintenance

1. Troubleshoots instruments as necessary.
2. Replaces bulbs in equipment.
3. Performs archiving functions according to manufacturer recommendations.
4. Performs autoclaving and maintenance of instrument sterility.
5. Reports continued difficulty to the office administrator.
6. Maintains a working knowledge of sterile techniques for instrument cleaning and sanitization; and uses aseptic techniques and infection control measures in the performance of duties.
7. Assists in maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment.
8. Maintain and calibrate diagnostic equipment to ensure optimal performance.

General and Administrative Responsibilities

1. Communicates effectively with coworkers, doctors, patients, their family members, vendors, and sales representatives.
2. Identifies and provides care needs of a diverse cultural, gender, and age population.
3. Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing medical care beyond capabilities.
4. Demonstrates competence, empathy, and compassion when performing technical and supportive patient care.
5. Participates in clinic meetings/activities; supports the clinical, departmental and organizational philosophy and goals.
6. Schedule management and rescheduling patients.
7. Maintains current continuing education/certification requirements for the position.
8. Performs other duties as requested.
9. Ensure accurate and timely entry of test results into electronic health records (EHR).
10. Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.

Physical Activity of Position:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing tests.
• Manual dexterity to operate diagnostic equipment.
• Clear verbal communication skills to interact with patients and staff.
• Visual acuity to read and interpret data on computer screens and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to move around the office to assist patients and handle various tasks.
• Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to handle stress and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Colorado Ophthalmology Associates is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants or employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status, pay, or any other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or other applicable protected classes.