As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position performs preliminary examinations and evaluations of patients with ocular complaints, diseases, or disorders by initiating and executing technical tests utilized exclusively in ophthalmology. The incumbent provides information to and consults with ophthalmologists who facilitate the diagnosis and eventual treatment of patients. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions- Performs successfully all of the essential functions of job code 7130, Ophthalmic Medical Specialist.
- Performs intermediate diagnostic tests such as intermediate manifest refractometry (fogging, balancing, near point refractometry, and trial framing), pachymetry, tear break up time test, intermediate lens skills including measuring base curve, vertex distance, and prism in glasses including progressive lenses.
- Performs intermediate automated visual fields for surgical assessment, including taped and untaped fields.
- Assists with other ophthalmic procedures including obtaining the consent of the patient and assisting with laser procedures, intraocular injections, and other minor office procedures.
- Makes decisions regarding which screening procedures and specialized tests should be applied to each patient based on symptoms as reported by the patient.
- Interprets the reliability and validity of test results and seeks additional guidance to ascertain the next appropriate treatment procedure.
- May perform IOL Master Scans and Contact A-scan.
- May assist in ophthalmic imaging, as needed, including anterior segment photography, external photography, fundus photography, HRT, GDX and OCT.
- May assist in patient flow, including scribing.
- May be responsible for floating between several different locations.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job outlined above.
- Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
- Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
- Ability to interpret the reliability and validity of test results.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development.
- Ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
- Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
- JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Qualifications (Preferred)Working Conditions and Physical DemandsEmployee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
- This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects, such as medical equipment, while providing patient care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.
Skills Required
- Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system, obtained within 30 days of hire
- JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
- Ability to perform the essential job functions
- Effective human relations and communication skills
- Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served
- Ability to interpret the reliability and validity of test results
- Knowledge of lifespan growth and development principles
- Ability to assess patient status and provide care according to department policies and procedures
- Ability to meet physical and working-condition requirements with or without accommodation
University of Utah Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about University of Utah and has not been reviewed or approved by University of Utah.
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Retirement Support — Employer-funded retirement contributions on both the academic campus and U of U Health are notably strong, with automatic contributions and additional voluntary savings options. This emphasis makes long-term financial benefits a distinctive part of the total compensation offering.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan choices, robust mental-health support through the Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs create a comprehensive health offering. Network options and wellness incentives further enhance coverage quality.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave policies provide options for fully paid periods or extended partial-pay leave for staff, with parallel provisions at U of U Health. Separate frameworks for faculty include modified duties and leave arrangements during family transitions.
University of Utah Insights
What We Do
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Founded in 1850, it serves over 31,000 students from across the U.S. and the world. With over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine, the university prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the U encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty and business leaders. The University of Utah became a member of the PAC-12 conference in July 2011. Technology and Commercialization The University of Utah is tops in the country for creating start-up companies from university research, according to a ranking by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). See http://unews.utah.edu/news_releases/u-of-utah-no-1-for-startups for more information. Forbes magazine’s recent ranking of the “Best States for Business” pointed to “an educated labor force” as a big reason Utah came in at number one. The U supplies many of the employees for companies that keep expanding their operations in Utah, such as Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Omniture, Oracle, Ebay and many others. http://pac12info.utah.edu/commercialization-of-innovation/ Healthcare University of Utah Health Care recently ranked first in the nation in a prestigious national study. The University Health System Consortium’s 2010 Quality and Accountability Study compared 98 of the nation’s top academic medical centers and ranked them based on core quality measures, patient safety indicators, mortality rates, re-admission rates, and patient satisfaction scores. See more about University of Utah Health Care at http://healthcare.utah.edu/index.php




