Ophthalmic Tech - Cert OR - Ophthalmology - Full Time - The Guthrie Clinic

Overview

Position Summary: 

The Ophthalmic Technician ‐ Certified OR is responsible for performing advanced ophthalmic work up, procedures, measurements and tests to provide data to provider and assist in patient care.  Assists provider throughout patient exam, office lasers and procedures, and performs as first assists in the operating room (minimum of 12 cases per year). Position requires advanced understanding of ophthalmology outpatient day to day office routine.  The Ophthalmic Technician will continually demonstrate Patient Centeredness, Teamwork, and Excellence in the daily performance of their duties.  This position requires the ability to be self‐motivated, flexible, punctual, detail oriented, have good time management skills and have excellent communication skills.

Education, License & Cert: 

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with two years ophthalmic assisting experience; LPN with completion of home study course within first 6 months of employment. (Licensure in PA and NY required).

Experience: 

Surgical Technician Certified with OR experience may be substituted however completion of home study course within 6 months of employment and Certification as Ophthalmic Assistant is required within the first 12 months of employment.  Employee will be paid at one grade lower than Ophthalmic Technician until certification is met. Candidates with clinical experience but no ophthalmic experience will be paid at the C5 pay grade until completion of home study course (3‐6 months); they will move to the C6 pay grade until they have successfully achieved a COA certification which is required within the first 12 months of employment. Candidates with ophthalmic assistant experience of 1 year will be paid at the C6 pay grade, they will be expected to complete home study course within 3 months if they have not already completed and they will move to the C7 paygrade once they achieve a COA certification which is required within the first 12 months. Completion of Ophthalmic Scribe Certification (OSC) is required within the first 3 weeks for those without COA, COT, COMT, LPN.

Essential Functions: 

1. Obtains and documents accurate chief complaint and comprehensive history of present illness.  Reviews, verifies and updates patient’s past ocular, medical, family and social history. Reviews medical records for up‐to‐date master problem list including patient reported medication and allergies and diagnoses that are documented by physicians or providers.

2. Performs a portion of ophthalmic exam, ophthalmic diagnostic testing and procedures; documents findings/results on exam and stays current with new technology and procedures as they become available.  

3. Performs as scribe for provider (throughout ophthalmic exam capture, summarize, & document pertinent examination data, clinical findings and the assessment and plan).

4. Provides patient education, assists provider with informed consent, prepares and reviews surgical charts.

5. Assists provider with laser and surgical procedures within the office, including those that require aseptic and sterile technique.

6. Performs as first assistant in operating room.

7. Responsible for cleaning and sterilization of office instruments, performing basic maintenance, quality control, cleaning, disinfection and maintaining inventory of ophthalmic exam room and ancillary equipment according to organization and departmental protocols.  

8. Responsible for documentation, tracking and reporting surgical co‐management; completion and processing of forms (DMV, disability, legal blindness, insurance, low vision, etc.); review and monitors provider’s schedule for efficiency and errors; triages messages and phone calls and responds to patients as directed by provider.

Other Duties: 

1. Provides orientation and training of new employees and recognizes and utilizes opportunities to teach other staff members.

2. May travel to regional offices as needed.

3. Attends required staff and educational meetings as requested.

4. Cover as needed throughout the department.