Ophthalmic Technician

Summary

Perform the full spectrum of technician responsibilities, working in collaboration with coworkers and the physician. Provide technical skills and assistance in the evaluation of patients' ocular system. Perform diagnostic tests. Provide patient education and respond to questions from the patient and/or patient's family. Perform work with a focus on effective communication with the patient, coworkers and the physician. Demonstrate cooperation with coworkers while striving to ensure the highest level of patient care and "customer service," representing EHN in a professional manner at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibility but will provide guidance to employees and/or assist with orientation and training of new employees of the work group.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate with patients in a professional and courteous manner; introduce self and explain role to the patient and/or the patient's family; acquaint patient with clinic procedures, and inform the patient of the purpose of all tests to be performed and how the patient may be affected during those tests.

• Obtain medical and family histories, including ocular and systemic history and chief complaint and HPI

• Prepare patients for examinations.

• Perform diagnostic tests that help ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of a diseased eye.

• Take anatomical and functional ocular measurements of the eye and surrounding tissue.

• Test ocular functions, including visual acuity and visual fields; perform refractions as directed by physician.

• Ensure work area and exam rooms are clean, orderly and properly prepped for patients.

• May scribe as required by provider.

• Reviews patient chart to ensure completeness and accuracy for as required by medical standards and by government regulation.

• Clean and maintain equipment and instrumentation in good working condition; perform minor repairs and adjustments as needed.

• Ensure that services and products are appropriate for meeting patient needs and work is performed in an efficient, timely and accurate manner.

• Administer topical ophthalmic drops and ointment under the direction of a physician.

• Assist with patient flow throughout the clinic.

• Demonstrate team values through cooperation and consideration of coworkers; foster goodwill among coworkers by providing assistance when needed and sharing information that helps others do their jobs; interact with tact, courtesy and diplomacy.

• Effectively communicate with patients, coworkers and doctors; share information appropriately and complete the communication circle with follow-up as needed; communicate in a positive, upbeat manner while refraining from complaining, gossiping, or engaging in conversations of a negative tone.

• Perform work in compliance with company policy, department procedures and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and OSHA.

Level I

• Demonstrated ability and/or proficiency in the following: OCT, Lensometry, visual acuity testing, pupil evaluation, EOMS, ACT/NPC/NPA, gross confrontational field testing, Amsler Grid, color vision, titmus, basic contact lens knowledge-movement, condition (as required), visual field testing-Humphrey and/or Goldman (as required and/or as assigned to Special Testing Technician)

Level II

• Proficiency in Level I duties and responsibilities.

• Take and record vital signs including pulse and blood pressure.

• Basic pharmacology knowledge and refilling medications through EHR or by phone

• Manage Inbox tasks and Patient Portal messages

• Perform applanation tonometry and angle checking

• Confidence in at least two Basic Procedures: OCT, topography, Schirmer testing, manual keratometry, basic contact lens evaluations, autoclave, HVF, GVF, prepping patients for injection, or setting up a B-scan/laser for a provider.

Level III

• Proficiency in Levels I & II duties and responsibilities.

• Current Ophthalmic Technician Certification (COT)

• Submit complex medication refills and maintain broad pharmacology knowledge.

• Review and confirm prior authorizations.

• Grasp of general triage concepts.

• Proficiency in at least one subspecialty

• Ability to float to any subspecialty

• Confident in at least four Basic Procedures: OCT, topography, Schirmer testing, manual keratometry, basic contact lens evaluations, autoclave, HVF, GVF, prepping patients for injection, or setting up a B-scan/laser for a provider.

• Confident in at least two Advanced Procedures: Fundus photography, flourescein angiography, retinoscopy, immersion A-scan, pentacam, IOL Master/Lenstar, setting up pneumatic/cryo, or assisting for minor surgery.

Level IV

• Proficiency in Levels I-III duties and responsibilities.

• Proficiency in at least two subspecialties.

• Assist with training and mentoring new technicians.

• Confident in at least three Advanced Procedures: Fundus photography, flourescein angiography, retinoscopy, immersion A-scan, pentacam, IOL Master/Lenstar, setting up pneumatic/cryo, or assisting for minor surgery.

The above skill levels are intended for management guidelines. Manager will also consider initiative, consistent follow-up, follow through and proficiency at managing flow of clinic when assessing levels. Some requirements may vary between locations depending on physician preferences and equipment used.

Secondary Functions:

• Other duties which may be necessary or desirable to serve the patient and support the success of the department or the company overall.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience; Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations (Minimum Requirements)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Must have Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification or have the ability to obtain certification within 12 months of being hired; must be able to complete the Home Study Course for certification within 90 days of being hired.

• A minimum of one (1) year experience preferred.

• An equivalent combination of experience, training and certification that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid computer skills with proficiency in the use of Electronic Medical Records systems; experience with NextGen preferred.

• Ability to type a minimum of 60 wpm.

• Knowledge of ocular diseases and systemic diseases affecting the eye.

• Knowledge of intricate refractive and optical measuring devices, and other equipment and instrumentation used to perform required job functions.

• Knowledge of basic eye care and hygienic methods and practices involving the treatment of the eye.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of CPT & ICD-10 coding procedures.

• Must possess strong math skills with ability to calculate geometry and algebra equations.

• Knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic terminology.

• Ability to analyze information and use logic to resolve issues and problems.

• Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions.

• Ability to work cooperatively and interact is a professional and respectful manner with physicians, staff, vendors and patients at all times.

• Ability to assist all patients with dignity and respect.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, and a willingness to rotate to various worksites as needed.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Majority of work is performed in a general medical office environment. Exposure to moderate levels of noise in a well-lit, well-ventilated and moderately paced environment; some work is performed in dimmed lighting.

• This position requires manual/finger dexterity as necessary to perform daily job duties.

• Occasionally required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.

• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; lift, push, pull and/or carry objects up to 20 pounds.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.