Ophthalmic Assistant

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) must be able to effectively perform as part of a team. As this position requires direct patient contact, assistants must maintain compassion towards patients. The OA participates in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care to a select group of patients. Assistants refer any problems they encounter with their patients to the attending physician. The OA maintains the responsibility to clean and sterilize all required medical instruments, medical supplies, and equipment. The Assistant ensures that all equipment is stored properly, maintains calibration, and ensures all accouterments are fully operational at all times. Ensures all electronic specialty tools are turned on/off following recommended procedures to prolong life of equipment. Other duties may be assigned to this position.

Requirements

High School diploma/GED.
Current BLS certification or must successfully obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of ophthalmic/optometric assisting or experience in a medical setting.

Responsibilities

Participates in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care to a select group of patients.
Refers any problems encountered with patients to the attending physician.
Provides direct patient assessment, performing measurements required to evaluate the eye.
Tests and records visual acuity appropriately for patients with all levels of acuity: Counting fingers, Hand motion, Light perception, No light perception.
Tests and records visual acuity on preliterate, illiterate, non-verbal, or foreign language patients.
Defines low vision.
Tests and records visual acuity using pinhole occlude.
Tests and records stereo acuity.
Tests and records near point of accommodation and convergence.
Tests for visual acuity (distance and near) using: Allen, Tumbling E, numbers, and Snellen.
Collects current data from an in-person patient assessment, which includes but is not limited to, uses of ophthalmic medications, performing measurements required to evaluate the eye.
Performs Amsler grid testing.
Performs confrontation fields testing.
Performs automated perimetry.
Performs Goldmann perimeter with appropriate training.
Measures intraocular pressure with hand-held applanator.
Measures intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry.
Measures intraocular pressure with non-contact tonometer.
Cleans and disinfects tonometers.
Performs and records glare testing (e.g. BAT).
Performs and records Potential Acuity Meter (PAM).
Proper use of slit lamp.
Demonstrates use of slit lamp lenses.
Demonstrates use of pen light.
Performs and records color vision using color plates.
Performs pachymetry, measures and records fusional amplitudes.
Performs and records Maddox Rod measurements.
Orders and maintains patient education materials inventory.
Assesses and records anterior chamber depth with a slit lamp or pen light.
Performs and records laser tests for glaucoma/retina (OCT).
Performs and records tear tests: Schirmer, BUT, Rose Bengal.
Cleans and sterilizes all required medical instruments, medical supplies, and equipment.
Ensures all equipment is stored properly, maintains calibration, and ensures all accouterments are fully operational at all times.
Ensures all electronic specialty tools are turned on/off following recommended procedures to prolong life of equipment.