Ophthalmic Assistant

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Responsible for general patient workups in the clinical area. Complete diagnostic testing on patients, participates in family/patient education, coordinates surgical scheduling for physicians, scheduling of diagnostic procedures ordered by physicians, assist when necessary with office based procedures and other specialty specific duties. The associate will work with the patients, physician, and staff to create the best atmosphere possible for the patient. The incumbent is required to assist the physician with procedures, obtain medical history, reconcile medications, and record other information as required by the clinic.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1.  High school diploma.

2. Must obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.

EXPERIENCE:

1. One (1)year experience in Ophthalmology or Optometry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Current certification as Ophthalmic Technician.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Obtain and record accurate patient histories including chief complaint, present ocular status, ocular history, family history, past and present medical history, medications, and allergies.

2. Obtain and record visual acuity measurements on adults, children, illiterate patients, and infants.

3. Measure and record spectacle prescriptions, handle patient complaints, measure base curves, optical centers, prism of spectacles using both manual and automated devices.

4. Perform tonometry in measurement of intraocular pressures using a variety of measuring devices.

5. Perform and record refractometry on a variety of patients using retinoscopy, manifest techniques and over refraction.

6. Administer dilation/anesthetic drops.

7. Perform brightness acuity testing (BAT)

8. Perform and record color vision screening and diagnostic testing (Ishihara color plates, D-15 and Farnsworth-Munsell 100hue).

9. Perform and describe pupillary functions as to light and accommodation, describe specific abnormalities including afferent defects, anisocoria hippus, Adie’s surgical abnormalities, etc.

10. Conduct and record formal and informal visual fields including confrontation Amsler Grid, Tangent Screen, Humphrey Automated perimetry and Goldmann manual perimetry on a variety of patients (glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmological, oculoplastics, pediatric, retinal patients, etc.).

11. Evaluate, perform diagnostic testing and record information for neuro-ophthalmology patients including saccadic eye movements, one-meter, two-meter tangent screen testing, corneal sensitivity, pupil abnormalities etc. as directed by the physician.

12. Perform and record corneal assessment using a variety of devices (keratometer, corneal topographical mapping, pachymetry (manual and automated), slit lamp, biomicroscopy, and corneal diameter measurements.

13. Perform diagnostic ultrasonography using A-Mode.

14. Apply/Remove eye patches and ocular dressings as directed by the physician (occlusive therapy, pressure patching, etc.).

15. Assist in minor ocular surgical procedures as directed.

16. Perform ocular biometry measurements.

17. Clean exam/procedure rooms, instruments and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control

18. Ordering, sorting, storing supplies and restocking exam and procedure rooms and monitors and ensures an adequate stock of medical supplies and the proper functioning of medical equipment. 

19. Properly reports to the manager any deficiencies or problems in any and all areas

20. Inspects working environment daily for compliance with company policies and procedures.  Ensures compliance with governmental regulations and standards.

21. Accepts additional assignments and duties as deemed appropriate by the practice manager and for which proper training has been provided

22. Monitors and maintains a sterile environment.  Recognized breech in technique and takes appropriate action to correct

23. Follows appropriate hand hygiene protocol at all times.

24. Completes all Audits required appropriately and completely, reporting any deviations or inefficiencies

25. Works with the physician and other personnel to maintain good and efficient work flows within the office

26. Facilitates and triage patient care telephone calls to determine appropriate follow-up and assists the patient in a courteous and timely manner.  Relays critical information to the physician quickly.

27. Courteous and friendly with a professional attitude at all times to patients, physicians, co-workers and others

28. Ability to learn and utilize all functions of the electronic medical record

29. Schedules visits by using office protocol or direct consultation with the physician; will be required to use computer systems.

30. Works with other staff to maintain surgery schedule and efficiency assuring PAT and surgery receive appropriate information and that the surgery schedule is updated and tracked and all authorizations are completed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping are necessary body movements utilized in performing duties throughout the work shift.

2. Must be able to read and write legibly in English.

3. Visual acuity must be within normal range.

4. Must be able to communicate effectively.

5. Occasional lifting required in patient assistance.

6. Frequently moving equipment (most of which is on wheels).

7. Must have manual dexterity to operate keyboards, fax machines, telephones, copiers and other business equipment

8. Must have a strong stomach to handle various odors and sites dealing with wounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.

2. Exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants

3. Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.

4. Must have ability to maintain concentration in and around noise from office machinery such as copiers, printers, scanners, and telephones.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Must have the ability to work successfully under highly stressful conditions, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.

2. Must have the ability to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multi-disciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.

3. Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.

4. Must have effective reading and comprehension skills.

5. Must have strong communication skills, written and verbal.

6.Ability to function as a team member in respect to organization, communication, and task prioritization

7. Typing skills/keyboarding required/ strong ability to listen and absorb what the physician is saying and ascertain the physician needs.

8. Must be a team player, work well with the general public,  and be able to multi-task in a busy atmosphere

9. Associate required to cross-train in all areas of the clinic so multi-tasking is a must

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:

UHC United Hospital Center

Cost Center:

457 UHC Ophthalmology

Address:

1370 Johnson AveBridgeportWest Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.