Ophthalmic Technician

Title: Ophthalmic Technician

Department: Clinical

Reports to: Lead Ophthalmic Technician

FLSA: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week. On-site with the ability to travel to satellite clinics as required.

***This position may require travel to the Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and Crestview offices.

About Us:

At Retina Specialty Institute and Southern Eye Group we are dedicated to preserving and improving the gift of sight. As growing leaders in the field of ophthalmology, we utilize cutting-edge technology and the latest advancements in healthcare to provide exceptional care to our patients. Our commitment to excellence drives us to prioritize patient care above all else, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of treatment. We believe that by saving sight, we are not only preserving vision but also enhancing lives. Join our team and be a part of our mission to make a difference in the lives of our patients every day.

General Purpose of Job/Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and patient-oriented ophthalmic technician to join our team. The ophthalmic technician team helps our patients receive exceptional care by providing clinical assistance. Ophthalmic technicians work alongside our physicians during patients' eye exams, diagnoses, and treatments. They conduct preliminary exams, review medical histories, perform tests, administer eye medications, prepare and sanitize equipment, and assist physicians in exams and procedures. Candidates with previous experience in an ophthalmology office and a passion for creating excellent patient experiences are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide quality patient care with empathy and consideration for each patient’s needs.
• Maintain efficient clinic flow by triaging patients according to company guidelines, ensuring patients are seen promptly and in the correct order.
• Document all data into electronic medical records system.
• Perform technical workups, patient interviews, and special testing.
• Administer topical or diagnostic drugs under physician instruction for testing or treatment.
• Conduct routine maintenance on instruments and report to supervisor if equipment is not in working condition.
• Prepare and sanitize equipment, examination rooms, and instruments between every patient.
• Assist physicians with laser procedures, minor surgeries, and examinations.
• Follow all practice policy standards for sanitation, sterile technique, and infection control.
• Respond to phone calls from patients, coworkers, and pharmacies concerning ocular emergencies, patient care questions, and prescriptions.
• Communicate with patients about follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, changes in the schedule, symptoms, surgery scheduling, clinical trials, etc.
• Educate patients on adapting to, wearing, and caring for glasses/contact lenses/etc.
• Performs necessary procedures and testing including tonometry, visual acuity testing, visual field exam, muscle testing, pupil exams, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiograph (FA), and others.
• Collaborate with multiple teams and locations to ensure continuity of care.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience as an ophthalmic assistant.
• Must be willing and able to regularly travel to satellite clinics.
• Understand eye anatomy, disease, symptoms, and ocular medications.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree or higher; bilingual is a plus.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Maintains a composed demeanor, pleasant attitude, and polished, professional appearance.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology; familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Will observe all company confidentiality requirements and HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy and maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Friendly, helpful team player with a positive, customer-service attitude.
• Outstanding customer service skills; handles company business with the utmost professionalism, discretion, and tact.
• Dependable and reliable with an outstanding record of attendance.
• Exercise good judgement and take initiative to properly address and resolve issues.
• Must be able to compassionately connect with patients to establish confident, trusting patient relationships.
• Can remain calm and professional in situations of high pressure, stress, and/or emotion.

Offered Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and ancillary benefits offered.
• 401k eligibility with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and certification.
• Friendly, upbeat, and supportive work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Retina Specialty Institute and Southern Eye Group are equal opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is the policy of our companies not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions to the extent the Company may do so without undue burden.

This role involves sitting for extended periods at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting up to 15 pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities needed include close, distance, peripheral vision, and focus adjustment.

The work takes place in a climate-controlled office with moderate noise levels.

Other Duties:

This job description provides an overview of key duties but is not all-inclusive. Responsibilities and tasks may evolve over time, and adjustments may be made as needed, with or without prior notice.