Ophthalmic Technician Specialist

Job Req ID:

CO Ophthalmic Technician

We are looking for a Ophthalmic Technician to fill a role in a multi-functional satellite office with limited technician personnel. This position necessitates adept multi-tasking to manage a diverse range of responsibilities. Collaborating closely with faculty, the Clinic Manager, and the Clinic Supervisor, the primary function of this role is to deliver clinical support to physicians.

Additional duties encompass basic administrative tasks, including responding to inquiries from patients and physicians, as well as assisting with patient requests for medication refills, form completions, and prior authorizations.

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University presents an exciting opportunity for outstanding candidates to embark on a career as an Ophthalmic Technician, with no prior experience necessary. Begin your journey in Ophthalmology with a leading institution renowned for its state-of-the-art eye care, training future healthcare leaders, and engaging in pioneering research. Our comprehensive training program will equip you with a solid foundation to explore various career avenues beyond Ophthalmic Technician, such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research, among others. This role also serves as a valuable opportunity for pre-med students to acquire clinical experience during their gap year or prior to medical school applications. No evening or weekend shifts are required. Follow this link to learn more,

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Document patient history, including chief complaints, ocular history, previous surgeries, medical conditions, medications, allergies, learning assessments, falls risk, and family history.
• Assess pupil response to light and check for afferent pupillary defects.
• Evaluate central visual fields using Amsler Grid.
• Administer eye drops under physician supervision.
• Measure and record distance and near visual acuity.
• Measure intraocular pressure using various tonometry methods.
• Conduct Humphrey visual field tests and refer patients for further evaluations as necessary.
• Perform Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
• Conduct IOL Master measurements for cataract surgery preparation.
• Execute Pentacam measurements.
• Carry out precise refractions.
• Test color vision and depth perception.
• Screen for ocular motility disorders.
• Utilize slit lamp for eye surface examinations.
• Perform specialized tests such as Bright field Acuity Testing and pachymetry.
• Conduct basic maintenance or repairs on clinical equipment.
• Compile and enter data for clinical studies and participate in research projects.
• Educate patients on proper contact lens insertion and removal techniques.
• Execute ultrasound scans to measure axial length of the eye, adjusting for various patient conditions.
• Perform accurate keratometry readings.
• Calculate intraocular lens power using various formulas.
• Capture fundus photographs as needed.
• Assist with in-office procedures.
• Manage exam room supplies and ensure medication expiration dates are monitored.
• Disinfect and maintain examination rooms, adhering to microbial control standards.
• Maintain logs for refrigerators and sharps containers.
• Ensure compliance with JCAHO requirements.

Nonclinical Responsibilities:

• Manage Epic in-basket messages and patient inquiries.
• Process medication refill requests.
• Assist in obtaining prior authorizations for in-office procedures and medications.
• Support front desk staff by triaging scheduled appointments and addressing clinical questions.
• Manage and order medications for intravitreal injections.
• Assist with tracking and processing forms requests.
• Provide input on templates and schedules to enhance patient flow and physician efficiency.
• Maintain a general understanding of ocular anatomy, physiology, systemic diseases, and ocular emergencies.
• Hold a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time.
• Capability to escort patients to exam rooms and various departments, including assisting wheelchair users.
• Frequently adjust ophthalmic equipment for examinations.
• Manipulate small objects with precision.
• Communicate effectively with patients to exchange accurate information.
• Safely operate various types of ophthalmic equipment.
• Occasionally lift and transport supplies weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Maintain focus on instruments and visual stimuli.
• React promptly to changing situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification within 18 months of employment.
• CPR certification is required.
• Ability to assist patients to exam rooms and maneuver equipment as needed.
• Ability to reach overhead for supplies and stock rooms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a clinical office setting as an ophthalmic technician.

Total Rewards
The salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's compensation for this position. Not all candidates will qualify for the upper end of the range. The final salary will depend on various factors, including geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education, and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a comprehensive rewards package that supports employee health, life, career, and retirement.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above for equivalency guidelines. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these rules: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may also substitute for required education.

Applicants Completing Studies
Candidates who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester will be considered eligible for employment and may need to provide additional information confirming their completion date.

Background Checks
Successful candidates will undergo a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with justice-involved backgrounds, consistent with applicable policies. A prior criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates from employment.

Diversity and Inclusion
Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity, and inclusion, advancing these through its strategic framework.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law