Ophthalmic Assistant

Job Summary:

The Ophthalmic Assistant is a member of the Clinical Department and reports directly to the Lead Ophthalmic Technician/Clinical Manager. This individual is responsible for providing chair-side assistance to the physician, performing diagnostic tests as required by the ophthalmologist, and administering treatments as allowed and ordered by the physician.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience preferred.
• Essential Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive team member with a professional attitude.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.

Clinical Skills and Patient Care:

• Must be able to accurately operate the following equipment:
  • Lensometer
  • A-scan
  • Potential Acuity Meter (PAM)
  • Humphrey Visual Field Machine
  • Automated Tonometer
  • Brightness Acuity Test (BAT) Machine
  • Autorefractor
  • Keratometer
  • Phoropter
  • Maddox Wing
  • Tono-Pen
  • Statim Sterilizer
  • Projector
  • Slit Lamp

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Use autorefractors and lensometers (automatic and manual).
• Perform visual field tests.
• Perform visual acuity and pinhole tests.
• Perform brightness acuity measurements as requested by the physician.
• Perform Schirmer's tests as ordered by the physician.
• Monitor patient flow, ensuring physician exam rooms remain occupied and patient care is efficient.
• Act as a scribe for the physician during patient examinations.
• Escort patients to the front desk following their exam.

Patient Education

• Review the use of the Amsler grid with patients for at-home monitoring.
• Review physician-generated instructions with patients.
• Provide appropriate patient education materials as directed by the physician.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Ensure exam rooms are cleaned, tidied, and sanitized between patients, including sinks and equipment.
• Clean all lenses used by physicians.
• Prepare for COA/COT/COMT certification exams.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Primary work areas are well lit; however, duties require working in darkened exam room throughout the day.
• Frequent movement between exam rooms and clinical areas is required.
• Must be able to sit when necessary.
• Fine motor skills are essential.
• The work environment can often be loud.