Ophthalmic Assistant

Position: Ophthalmic Assistant Department: Eye ClinicsSchedule: Full TimePOSITION SUMMARY:Under the general guidance of the Ophthalmologist and under direct supervision of the Tech Supervisor, Chief Ophthalmic Technician and senior techs, performs various tasks to provide clinical support necessary for quality patient care. Participates in the care of patients in a clinical setting by performing various ophthalmic examinations; scheduling appointments and maintaining patient medical records. Responsibilities include organizing and prioritizing work to ensure completion in a timely manner. JOB REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION:High school diploma or equivalent required. Preferably one to two years education beyond high school (graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technology, Ophthalmic Assistant, or Allied Health Professional program or equivalent preferred).CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:No certification required; however, must be willing to work toward certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COA) and be eligible to take exam within 12 months of hire. EXPERIENCE:Experience that includes medical history taking, ophthalmic patient services, general medical knowledge, and visual acuity testing is preferred.KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:Must have knowledge of medical terminology.Requires the analytical ability to understand and apply complex and semi-complex ophthalmic procedures and follow detailed instructions from the Ophthalmologist.Effective interpersonal skills necessary to relate to patients in a sympathetic and tactful manner and allay patient apprehensions.Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.Optimistic attitude, strong customer service focus, and willing to work as a contributing member of a team.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:Greets patients and gather demographic information and documents in the medical record.Screens each patient and completes preliminary examination according to the physician's preference to include, documentation of chief complaint, history of present illness, allergies, current medication, and medical history.Receives instruction, reads from textbooks and practices techniques to understand and apply knowledge to operate various clinical equipment and appropriate testing to assist the physician in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient; Tests may include: Visual Acuity Testing, Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Automated Refractometry, Pupil Assessment; Gross External Examination and eye drop instillation.Documents all procedures/decisions in the patient's medical record, under instruction from physician which may include facilitating and or scribing.Assists with providing fundamental patient education and counseling. Reports any issues or problems not clearly defined to supervisor or physician.Assists the physician in preparing patient for laser surgery or other surgical procedures, ensuring that rooms are appropriately stocked with appropriate equipment, instruments and supplies and paying attention to patient's clinical needs. Informs supervisor when supplies are running low.Train for new tasks and ancillary skills as assigned.Attends staff meetings and seminars.Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of clinical area on own initiative and reports any malfunctioning equipment as observed by supervisor.Maintains a complete understanding of emergency procedures.Conforms to the hospital standards and conduct so that the best patient care may be provided.Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures IND123(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans