Ophthalmic Medical Technician or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (Medical Assistant for Eye Care)

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

13h•Onsite

About The Position

University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics is accepting resumes for current and future Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OMT) and Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) opportunities, roles described as medical assistants for eye care. Moran Eye Care operates at multiple locations in the Salt Lake City area and surrounding communities, including a pediatric location at Primary Children’s. Applicants can indicate preferred locations and whether they seek full-time or part-time hours. The position performs preliminary examinations and evaluations for patients with ocular complaints, diseases, or disorders by initiating and performing ophthalmology-specific technical tests. The employee provides information to and consults with ophthalmologists to support diagnosis and treatment. The role may include accessing and administering medications within the employee’s scope of practice and in accordance with state law. Employees who are not already COA certified may start as an OMT and work with their team toward COA certification within 6–12 months; the timeline is self-paced and varies by position. University of Utah Health describes its mission as enhancing health and well-being through patient care, research, and education, and emphasizes compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality, and trust.

Requirements

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
Knowledge of life-span growth and development principles.
Ability to assess patient-status data and provide care in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
For OMT: Obtain a current University of Utah Health RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential within 30 days of hire.
For COA: Hold current JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
For COA: Obtain a current University of Utah Health RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in an allied health profession position in ophthalmology.
Desire to work toward and obtain JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

Responsibilities

Obtain each patient’s medical history for use by the ophthalmologist in formulating a potential diagnosis.
Perform ophthalmic diagnostic tests, including visual acuity, pupil assessment, basic manual lensometry, stereo testing, color vision testing, visual field testing, EOMs, angle assessment, automated perimetry, tonometry, BAT, PAM, manual keratometry, Schirmer tear testing, Atlas topography, Pentacam, Flicker Fusion, and Color Vision D15.
Administer topical ophthalmic medication.
Explain testing procedures to patients.
Educate patients about ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans, including instruction in contact lens insertion, removal, and care.
Report equipment malfunctions and safety hazards and maintain adequate consumables and supplies for the designated work area.
Determine appropriate screening procedures and specialized tests based on patient-reported symptoms.
Interpret the reliability and validity of test results and seek guidance about the next appropriate treatment procedure.
May perform basic manifest refractometry.
May function as a scribe for the ophthalmologist.
May assist with training other ophthalmic personnel, as assigned.
May assist with laser and ophthalmic procedures in the minor procedure room.