Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

WVU Medicine•Institute, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent, with supervision/direction from the lead technician or clinic supervisor, will provide general technical work ups and special testing procedures to patients. The major purpose of this position is to ensure that usual and necessary patient work-up and diagnostic testing procedures are performed for our patients and/or physicians in accordance with protocols.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a high volume clinic
Ability to operate ophthalmic equipment and computers.

Nice To Haves

Analytical skills are desirable to complete the technical aspects of patient examinations.

Responsibilities

Obtain and record accurate patient histories to include chief complaint, present ocular status, ocular history, family history, past and present medical history, medications and allergies, and vital signs if needed.
Obtain and accurately record visual acuity measurements on adults, children, illiterate patients and infants.
Accurately measure and record spectacle prescriptions, using both manual and automated devices.
Performance of tonometry in measurement of intraocular pressures using a variety of measuring devices.
Perform and record accurately the Schirmers tear test and tear break up time.
Performance of basic extraocular muscle screening to include, Titmus stereo test.
Perform and accurately record color vision screening tests.
Perform Visual Field Testing, lensometry and keratometry
Perform and accurately describe pupillary function as to light and accommodation.
Perform and record electrophysiologic tests (ERG,VEP,EOG).
Conduct and accurately record formal and informal visual fields to include confrontation, Amsler Grid, Goldmann Perimetry, Humphrey Automated perimetry, OCT.
Perform and accurately record IOL calculations, corneal topography and other related diagnostic testing.
Application of eye patches and ocular dressings as directed by the physician (occlusive therapy, pressure patching, etc.).
Assist in minor ocular surgical procedures and laser treatments as directed including informed consent, and surgical site identification
Under the direct supervision of a physician, instill ocular preparations as required including solutions, suspensions, ointments, and therapeutic agents and educate patients on medications, drug reactions, an side effects.
Provide contact lenses measurement, fitting, and patient instruction
General maintenance of ophthalmic equipment, examination lane maintenance, and overall clinical maintenance as directed by supervisor.
Gather data for purposes of process improvement and improvement of clinic flow
May scribe for provider when needed including order placement and protocol orders. Maintains confidentiality
Provide patient education regarding anatomy and physiology of general ocular diseases, test, medications, procedures and treatments
Triage patient calls, collaborate with provider, and provide patient care instructions as defined by the provider.
Assist in peer interviews, training and education of new testing assistants and COA’s
Clinical tasks will be completed under the direct supervision of the supervisor or lead technician or their representative and attending physicians to insure that there is little room for error.