Ophthalmic Technician

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Clinical Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which he/she is assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day and requires an individual to be flexible and well-trained. The primary responsibility of the Clinical Technician is patient care, work-up, and preliminary testing in preparation for the Provider’s examination of the patient. The Clinical Technician: Acts within the scope of practice an ophthalmic technician and carries out other clinical and administrative functions as directed by the Administration of the Department for any of the assigned Clinical Services, (i.e., General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry, Refractive Surgery, and Retina/Vitreous) Monitors the clinical areas of the practice for patient and staff safety Cleans and maintains the equipment used by the practice Stock supplies daily and maintains the order of each day’s assigned areas Maintains an orderly and professional appearance in all clinic areas of the Department Actively pursues and attends continuing educational opportunities to ensure current knowledge in the ever-evolving role of the ophthalmic technician Stays abreast of changes in the field and seeks new skills and/or training as new, upgraded, or advancements in instrumentation develops

Requirements

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) from IJCAHPO, or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®), or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA®)
Minimum 5+ years’ experience in clinical ophthalmology
Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and terminology
Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system
Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education
Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient
Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance
Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up
Possesses the ability to work intermittently standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day
Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation
Under the direction of the Manager, actively works toward JCAHO compliance
Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic
CPR/BLS (including patient assessment, and vital signs)
Must meet the eligibility criteria for JCAHPO certification and have passed COT® examination (written and Practical exam) prior to obtaining employment
Depending on the scope of practice of each individual Diagnostic/Procedural Technician, one or more of the following Certifications or Registrations may be required: Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®), Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS®), Registered Ophthalmologic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB®), Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA®)

Nice To Haves

Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT®)
Graduate of Surgical technician training program or Sterile Surgical Technique/Assisting Certification
ALCON Certified Refractive Technician Training
1 year experience as a surgical technician
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
Experience with a high-volume ophthalmic refractive or corneal practice or University Ophthalmic practice
Bilingual or multi-lingual capability

Responsibilities

Patient Screening and Preliminary Testing: Manages patient expectations by providing practice-specific guidelines related to service/visit. Seeks clinical input when appropriate. Creates a professional and positive first impression for patients and referring physicians. Prescreening: Review and record patient demographics and prepare electronic patient records for physician review. Demographics is inclusive of, but not limited to: Ophthalmic and Systemic Medical History, Medication reconciliation, History of Present Illness, Chief Complaint, Allergies, sensitivities and side effects, Family and Social History. HLT III Position requires fluency and competency in preliminary screening and testing in all subspecialty clinics. Visual Assessment: Performs and documents various acuity measurements and diagnostics tests as per physician requirement/symptomology. Refractive Assessment: Distinguishes between different spectacle types (single vision distance, single vision near, bifocal or multifocal). Tonometry/Pachymetry: Performs testing as indicated for patient’s age and/or physician order. Promptly and professionally assists physicians and optometrists in patient care. Compiles all paperwork for pre-operative examination. Ensures that all paperwork has been appropriately completed, including patient and physician signatures. Completes patient health survey. Administers and legibly documents the administration of ophthalmic medication drops. Ensures that the physician’s orders are followed, confirms all ordered testing is completed and verifies that testing results are reconciled in the medical record.
Complex Diagnostic Testing and/or Procedure Support: Performs complex diagnostic ancillary tests and/or procedure support requiring an advanced level of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye within the scope of practice of an ophthalmic technician. Cleans, operates and maintains the advanced procedural and diagnostic instrumentation as needed, including mechanical, electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions. Understands and maintains calibration of all diagnostic instrumentation used. Entry level to the Ophthalmic Technician III position requires a demonstrated competency in two (2) or more of the following areas of diagnostic testing or Procedure Support, as outlined below. Diagnostic Testing: Goldmann perimetry, Ultrasound Diagnostic Echography (AScan), Diagnostic Echography (BScan), Axial length and IOL calculations for cataract surgery, Axial-length (AScan biometry), IOL Measurement and Calculation, Electrophysiology (Multi-focal Electroretinogram (ERG), Visually Evoked Potential (VEP), Electro-oculogram (EOG)), Microperimetry, Corneal Mapping and Related Testing (Endothelial Cell Count (ECC)), Within a Technician’s scope- Corneal topography and tomograpy including Wavefront aberrometry and other corneal and anterior segment imaging techniques as needed. Procedure Support within the Senior Technician’s scope: Set up of the Light Delivery Device (LDD) for the Light Adjustable Lens. Minor procedure assistance including but limited to; EDTA Chelation Procedures, Crosslinking procedures, corneal graft re-suturing, Keratectomy, keratoplasty and re-bubbling procedures. Maintains sterile field and uses principles of aseptic technique in all situations. Certified in the operation of excimer and femtosecond lasers by vendor. Performs safety checks and calibration procedures of the femtosecond and excimer lasers. Troubleshoots any femtosecond or excimer laser problems with the assistance of Clinical engineering including placing tickets for repairs.
Quality & Performance Improvement: Contributes to/Leads team building by actively participating/leading in meetings and discussions with other providers regarding practice activities. Works with supervisor and co-workers to improve procedures and administrative systems. Actively Participates in performance improvement projects and customer service initiatives. Has a supportive role in familiarizing new employees including Fellows, Residents, Medical students to the clinical functions, policies, and procedures of UCSF Medical Center and the Department of Ophthalmology. Maintains and monitors for HIPAA compliance with electronic protected health information. As assigned, fill in for other co-workers to help address workload problems and cover vacation or sick leave openings. Attends training classes provided by the Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF Medical Center, and other venues as required to keep skills and clinical practice updated. Maintains, troubleshoots, and cleans all equipment being used. Reports nonworking equipment to supervisor. Understands and maintains calibration of all diagnostic instrumentation used. Maintains exam rooms, replenish supplies and drops with ordering supplies and medications as assigned. Compliance with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards. Cleans and maintains department instrumentation as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by department administration.
Initial screening and dissemination of patient advice messages.
Assists with medication refills and medication prior authorizations under the supervision of the clinical manager/tech supervisor with nurse supervisor guidance.
Optical Coherence Topography (Macula, Anterior Segment, RNFL)
Non- Invasive Posterior Segment Photography (Fundus/Optic Disc/Nevus)
Axial Length Measurements
Automated visual fields
Corneal Topography
Auto-keratometry
Lensometry