Specific Duties & Responsibilities



Clinical

Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
Instills eye drops under physicians’ direction.
Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e. Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
Performs Humphrey visual field testing; refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
Performs OCT’s.
Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery.
Performs Pentacam measurements.
Performs accurate refractions.
Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
Screens for presence of ocular motility disorders.
Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; Potential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
Teaches patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting unit as needed in patient with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometer reading if unobtainable.
Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
Takes fundus photos as needed.
Assists with in office procedures.
Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
Ensures medication expiration dates are current.
Disinfects and maintains examination rooms.
Understands and practices the fundamentals of microbial control.
Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps container, etc.
Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.


Non-Clinical

Responsible for reviewing and addressing Epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool); routes messages to physicians as needed.
Processes medication refill requests.
Assists in obtaining prior authorizations from insurers for upcoming in office procedures and medications.
Provides support to front desk staff by assisting with triaging appointments, responding to patients’ clinical questions and explaining technician related concerns.
Manages and orders medications for intravitreal injections.
Assists with tracking and processing of forms request (i.e., MVA, disability, FLMA).
Provides input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
Maintains general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
Maintains required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.
Other duties as assigned.


Physical Requirements

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
Ability to move about to escort patients to the exam rooms and different departments, gather and replace supplies, and stock rooms.
Constantly positions self to adjust ophthalmic equipment in order to perform exams.
Ability to manipulate extremely small objects.
The person in this position frequently communicates with patients. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Ability to safely utilize various types of Ophthalmic Equipment to directly contact the patient’s eye.
Occasionally lifts and transports supplies up to 20 lbs.
Ability to concentrate on instruments and other visual stimuli.
Observation of and rapid reaction to changeable situations.


Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
CPR certification required.