Ophthalmic Assistant I

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Boston, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant I fulfills numerous functions to prepare patients for evaluation by an Ophthalmologist and/or Optometrist. Primary responsibilities include acquiring health histories from patients, performing preliminary eye function testing, managing patient flow, and maintaining equipment. Participates in employer-sponsored training and continuing education with the goal of becoming certified by JCAHPO as a Certified Opthalmic Assistant (COA) within 18 months from date of hire.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required.
0-1 years related work experience required.
Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.
Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation.
Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.
Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.
Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.
Ability to work collaboratively in small teams to improve the operations of immediate work group by offering ideas, identifying issues, and respecting team members.
Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Employees in this job must be competent to provide patient care to the following age groups: Young adult: 16-30 years, Middle Age: 30 - 60 years, Elderly: 60 -.

Nice To Haves

Vocational or Technical training in Medical Assistant or other healthcare training preferred.
Experience in an ophthalmology practice or a graduate of an accredited Ophthalmic Assistant program or one year of clinical work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Escorts patients to and from exam rooms.
Takes a complete history focusing on the patient's eye symptoms.
Reviews allergies and medications.
Performs visual acuity tests and uses tonopens and applanation to measure intraocular pressure.
Performs visual fields, A/B ultrasonic scans, autorefraction, OCT, fundus photography, lensometry and topography.
Monitors provider schedules and patient flow.
Gathers and coordinates information necessary for patient records.
Monitors supply rooms and keeps exam rooms stocked and supplied.
Cleans and maintains equipment and coordinates repairs as needed.
Trains on the job for new tasks and ancillary skills as needed.
Participates in employer sponsored training and continuing education with the goal of becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within 18 months from date of hire.