Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

HealthPartners/GHI•Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

HealthPartners is hiring for an Ophthalmic Assistant working in the Eye Care department out of our St. Paul Specialty center. POSITION PURPOSE: Service excellence is to be centered on patient care and patient relationships and is the responsibility of all employees. Teamwork is the norm and all employees will be held accountable to work as effective team members. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant position will be working under the direction and supervision of the eye care provider. Accurate data gathering and accurate testing is expected. Clear and effective communication with team members and the provider is expected.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Minimum of one year work experience in an eye care setting.
Ophthalmic assistant certification by Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCHAPO) or paraoptometric assistant certification by the American Optometric Association (AOA) or ready for ophthalmic assistant or paraoptometric assistant certification by JCHAPO or AOA.
If hired without certification, must register for and pass the JCHAPO ophthalmic assistant or AOA paraoptometric assistant certification test within 12 months of hire date.
Must be professional, punctual, dependable and possess good communication skills. Must be able to interact with patients and staff in a courteous and cooperative manner.
Proficiency with computers and keyboarding.
Must possess manual dexterity and good vision. Must be self-mobile.

Nice To Haves

Formal optometric assistant training from an accredited technical /vocational school.

Responsibilities

Room patients for the eye care provider which includes: a. Record patient’s presenting complaint/history, reconcile meds, document allergies. b. Obtain visual acuity, check pupils, motility, cover test and confrontation fields. c. Neutralize and record patient’s eyeglass prescription. d. Perform stereo testing and color vision testing as indicated. e. Complete appropriate portion of the electronic medical record (EMR).
Perform visual field testing/OCT/intraocular pressure measurements/pachymetry/photography.
Schedule surgery and all appropriate pre-op and post-op appointments.
Triage patients – in clinic, on phone or inbox messages. Contact patients with test results. Arrange for consults and additional testing.
Clean and maintain all surgical and ophthalmic instruments and exam rooms.
Monitor and order supplies as needed.
Assist with patient education.
Set up and assist with minor surgery.
Administer oral and ocular medications as directed by eye care provider.
Provide contact lens training for insertion and removal/care of lenses.
Place contact lens orders and stock trial sets; track and verify contact lens orders.
Collect contact lens fees and contact lens service fees
Perform any other duties as may be deemed necessary.