Ophthalmic Technician

Department Overview

OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a premier academic medical center providing eye care for adults and children in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We treat eye conditions from the most straightforward to the most complex and offer expert care in all ophthalmology specialties.

Since 1945, OHSU Casey Eye Institute doctors and vision scientists have worked side by side to discover the causes of eye disease and find new treatments. Bringing research and patient care together helps us turn possibilities into realities OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a "High Performing" eye hospital, which means we are ranked in the top 10 percent nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

The purpose of this position is to provide ophthalmic care assistance for the Casey Eye Institute Community Outreach Program, as they travel to various communities throughout the state as part of the program's mobile and telehealth vision screening services. The position will provide ancillary screening and testing as necessary.

This is a part time, 0.40 FTE position (16 hours/week) mostly weekends

Function/Duties of Position

Screen participants for and obtain/record chief complaint, take accurate history of illnesses/surgeries (Ophthalmic and General), past ocular history, family history, drug allergies, and medications.  Perform ophthalmic testing as appropriate per participant, including OCT.  This includes but is not limited to checking/documenting distance and near vision in adults and children with and without correction, clearly determining from participant history if the participant is needing new glasses on any given visit.  Pupillary assessment to rule out afferent defect and to check pupil size (rule out asymmetry), corneal curvature, corneal pachymetry, corneal topography, color vision testing, must be proficient in performing lensometry including reading lenses with multifocal and progressive adds, power of sphere, axis of cylinder and cylinder power, and orientation of prism and measurement of interpupillary distance.  Perform applanation tonometry, and utilize Tonopen (noncontact tonometry) to check intraocular pressure.  Perform confrontation visual fields.  Must be proficient in refractometry and auto refraction, fogging with astigmatic dials, cross cylinder refinement and measurement of accommodation.   Must be able to perform cover/uncover test, alternate cover test and quantify strabismus.  Must be able to document ocular motility, presence of strabismus or nystagmus.  Must be able to perform Worth 4-dot test and Stereopsis test.  Must be able to test near point of convergence, ductions, versions and vergences.  Must be able to perform Potential Acuity Meter testing, Glare Testing.  Instill dilating and other ophthalmic drops per physician’s instructions.

Perform calibration of automated and non-automated perimeters.  Maintain a working  knowledge of computerized visual field programs, and be able to perform Amsler Grid testing.  Maintain a working knowledge of disease processes that may affect the visual pathway and resultant changes in the visual field due to these disease processes.  Perform SITA and Standard Humphrey (automated) (central and peripheral)

Assist doctors during examination as needed.  Apply eye dressings, protective shields and dispense medications as directed by the physician.  Provide participant instruction, education and assistance as required.  Always be willing to assist participants.  Per standard guidelines, clean exam areas and clinical equipment.

Customer Service:  Provides high quality customer service to participants, OHSU faculty and referring providers, to include PCPs and their office staff, insurance providers in requesting referrals, and co-workers and staff as well as setting an example in training new employees.  Maintains a high standard of participant interactions skills and is exemplary in addressing participant complaints when necessary.

Skills Maintenance:  Participate in continuing education courses and activities.  Have knowledge of and be able to practice JCAHO clinical guidelines.  Demonstrate competence in all required skills during yearly skills evaluation.

Certification:  Participate in continuing education courses and activities, maintain current JCAHPO certification.  Have knowledge of and be able to practice JCAHO clinical guidelines.  Demonstrate competence in all required skills during yearly skills evaluation

Required Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited training program such as Ophthalmic Technician Program, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Training Program, Eye Care Assistant Program,  Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Technology; OR
•  AA in Ophthalmic Technology from an accredited school; OR 
• Current certification as a certified ophthalmic technician (COA) or higher; OR
• BA/BS or in Health Care, Science or Research related field AND 1 year of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields; OR 
• 2 years of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields

BLS certification through American Heart Association (AHA), provider level is required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.

Must be able to perform ophthalmic tests and exams as specified above.  Demonstrated ability to use clinical diagnostic equipment.  Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related computer applications. Must be detail oriented and possess excellent interpersonal skills.  Ability to multi-task and delegate workload is essential.  Strong skills and background with clinic operations including scheduling systems, and inventory control.  Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, excellent organizational skills.  Exceptional advocacy skills - evaluate participant concerns for timely resolution.  Sensitivity to participant needs.  Ability to work independently as well as in a teamwork model.  Willingness to serve as a positive and professional role model.  Must have demonstrated record of reliable attendance, punctuality and proven successful performance in past and present. 

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in community outreach and working with diverse communities and serving understated populations. Administrative/medical office experience preferred. COA or COT certification.

Additional Details

This position requires travel, and works primarily on weekends.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]