Ophthalmic Assistant

POSITION: Ophthalmic Assistant DEPARTMENT: Clinical REPORTS TO: Clinic Supervisor JOB SUMMARY: This individual is responsible for providing chair-side doctor assistance, performing diagnostic tests as required by ophthalmologist, and administering treatment as allowed and ordered by the physician. Also responsible for performing an extensive number of data collection functions, as delegated by the physician, to allow for proper professional diagnosis of patients’ conditions. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent. Two years experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology preferred. ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Empathetic personality with concern for patients’ needs. Strong organization with attention to detail. Ability to work as a team member. Demonstrated computer literacy. RESPONSIBILITIES: Communication and Patient Care Acquaints all new patients with office procedures to which they will be exposed. Obtains patient history to include chief complain, history of present illness, past history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications. Informs patients of the purpose of all tests personally performed, and how the patient will be affected during the tests. Monitors patient flow, ensuring the physician exam rooms are always full. Occasionally acts as scribe and escorts patients to front desk after exam for physician when asked. Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurements tasks to include: Visual acuity (corrected, uncorrected, pin-hole) Brightness acuity Manual and/or automated lensometry and autorefractor Confrontational visual fields Stereo testing Evaluation of motility Pupillary function tests Color plates Applanation tonometry Refractometry Ocular photography (anterior segment, exterior, a/o fundus) Angle assessment Dilation of pupils Visual field testing Optical biometry (i.e. IOL Master, Lenstar) Optic nerve and retina scanning (i.e. OCT, HRT, GDx) Pachymetry Corneal topography Other tasks specific to the physician’s needs as a result of new technologies Other tasks outlined by Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) as deemed necessary for certification Triage Determines which patient should be taken next from the waiting room to have testing initiated. Escorts all patients from the waiting room for data collection. Advises patients as to who will see them following testing and makes patients comfortable during wait. Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required. Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions. Communicates with front office to facilitate proper patient flow. Patient Education Reviews the use of Amsler grid testing with patient for at-home monitoring. Reviews physician-generated instructions with patient. Provides appropriate patient education materials as directed by physician and/or to meet CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) established guidelines. Instrument Maintenance Troubleshoots instruments as necessary. Replaces bulbs. Checks connections. Performs database archiving functions according to office manager recommendations. Performs autoclaving and maintenance of instrument sterility. Reports continued difficulty to Clinic Supervisor. Administrative Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities. Maintains cleanliness in exam and procedure rooms. Maintains back up levels of stock in exam and procedure rooms. Ensures that exam rooms are tidied between patients, including cleaning sinks and sanitizing equipment. Performs other duties as required. Prepares for COA exam. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $12.00 - $20.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Paid time off Work Location: In person