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Job Discription
Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician; the ophthalmic technician performs a range of duties which includes preparing the patient to see the Attending Physician (preliminary exam, medical history, & testing), preparation of examination and treatment rooms, performing basic and routine vision screening examinations, administering eye medications, cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic instruments and assisting physicians during minor surgical and laser procedures.
Essential Functions
Performance Expectation:
Provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and acts as clinical assistant to the physician.
Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, and confirming purpose of visit
Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion), Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation.
Performance Expectation:
Accurately records all information in EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95 % accuracy.
Checks condition of patients’ eyes by performing slit lamp examination and documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to Attending Physician.
Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping patient information confidential.
Performance Expectation:
Counsels patients by transmitting physician’s orders, use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imagining required/ordered.
Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and promptly reporting equipment issues.
Handling patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription refill requests.
Performs set a standard number of patient work-ups based on established times while maintaining the quality of customer service.
Performance Expectation:
Opening and closing examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and stocked properly.
Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of the department.
Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilization or High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
Sets up and prep for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field.
Performance Expectation:
Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS
Follows attendance and dress code policies
Performance Expectation:
Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: N/A
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Successfully completion of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Medial Assisting Course within 12 months.
Obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) within twenty-four (24) months of hire date.
Experience REQUIRED:
Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing
Experience PREFERRED:
Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Previous experience in an academic health care environment.
Education/training REQUIRED:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Education/training PREFERRED:
Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Independent action(s) required:
Independently performs perform complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty testing, maintains equipment and coordinates patient flow.
Additional position requirements:
Other duties as assigned
Must be willing to work at all office locations.
Age Specific groups served: All
Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical – Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Activities: Prolonged standing, Walking (distance)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.
VCU Health System Authority (VCU Health) complies with applicable civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, political affiliation, disabilities, marital status, veteran status, residence, financial status, or any other manner prohibited by law.
