Ophthalmic Assistant

Job Overview

This position is responsible forfacilitating patient care and flow by performing the preliminary work up of the patient exam including history taking and performing a variety of screenings and diagnostic tests necessary for patient care by following established standards and procedures.  

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Basic Life Support (BLS) CertificationORObtain within three (3) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Completion of ophthalmic, optometric, or medical assistant training program and/or AAO Home Study Course.

2. Previous experience in an ophthalmic practice.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listedbelow are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.Obtains patient physical history to include chief complaint, reason for visit, current medications, allergies, past and current ocular and medical history.  

2.Performs various screening and tasks as ordered by the physician including, but not limited to visual acuity, lensometry, refraction, keratometry, pupil evaluation, measurement of eye pressure, drop instillation, etc.

3.Performs and assist with various diagnostic tests and ocular imaging as determined necessary through patient assessment such as Optical Coherence tomography (OCT), Topography, Visual Fields, IOL Master, etc. 

4.Prepares patient consent forms and assists physician with in office procedures as needed.

5.Sets up exam rooms by ensuring that they are clean, organized, stocked with necessary medications, supplies, instruments, forms, and patient education materials.  

6.Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection of instruments and supplies per hospital and manufacturer recommendations, assists with calibration and maintenance of equipment.  

7.Facilitates clinic flow and scribing components of the exam into the Electronic Health Record.  

8.Complies with all local, state and federal regulations and laws governing the performance of this position within the Ophthalmology department.

Physical Requirements: 

1.Close contact with children, adolescents, elderly, and sensory handicapped patients, with some exposure to blood and hypodermic needles.

2.Busy multi-specialty practice, and work environment involving several physicians.

3.May be required to float to satellite offices and must provide own transportation.

4. Ability to physically assist patients from wheelchairs into exam chairs and escort patients to other floors as needed. 

5.  Ability to assist the elderly and visually impaired.

6.  Requires prolonged standing, walking, some bending, stooping, and stretching.

Skills & Abilities:

1.Knowledge of eye terminology, basic anatomy, and physiology of eye. 

2.Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with patients and understand their needs, and be responsive to elderly and sensory handicapped patients.  

3.Ability to work closely and effectively with all disciplinary members of the care team. 

4.Excellent communication skills required to effectively explain the exam process to patients and help allay their concerns and apprehensions.

5.Strong attention to detail.

6.Ability to work in fast-paced, high-volume clinics.

7.Energetic, self-motivated, and ability to function independently.