Ophthalmic Technician

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Under clinical direction, the Ophthalmic Technician performs routine and complex photographic techniques and diagnostic and clinical tasks in the care and treatment of patients. The role supports ophthalmic examinations and procedures through diagnostic testing, patient handling, equipment upkeep, records management, and appointment scheduling. Because Santa Clara Valley Healthcare serves patients at multiple hospitals and clinics, employees may be required to work at different sites.

Requirements

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of basic ophthalmic assistant practices.
Knowledge of the use, application, and maintenance of ophthalmic patient-care equipment and supplies, such as ophthalmic lasers, ultrasound, tonometers, retinoscopes, and ophthalmoscopes.
Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology and principles of asepsis.
Knowledge of patient observation, including reporting urgent and emergency conditions.
Knowledge of specialized equipment operation, maintenance, and simple calibration.
Knowledge of acuity measurement and recording methods, color vision testing methods, basic tonometry, ophthalmic anatomy, and basic pathophysiologic principles.
Ability to perform routine and complex ophthalmic and patient-care tests and services.
Ability to gather and record patient ocular and physical history.
Ability to perform diagnostic and measurement techniques such as A-scan, B-scan, and ultrasound.
Ability to perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on clinic equipment.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral English instructions and communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing.
Ability to provide direct ophthalmic patient care.
Ability to organize priorities and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with patients and coworkers.

Responsibilities

Perform external, intraocular, and fluorescein angiographic photography.
Process angiography film for physician evaluation and treatment prescriptions.
Sort, label, and mount photographs.
Maintain files of visual fields and diagnostic ultrasound materials for evaluation.
Perform diagnostic visual field testing and diagnostic ultrasound (B-scan).
Perform measurements and calculations for intraocular lens implants (A-scan) before cataract extractions.
Perform keratometry and provide physicians with refractive information on postsurgical patients.
Assist with routine patient handling, including recording visual acuities, patient history, tonometry measurements, and general screening results.
Evaluate therapeutic contact lens fitting and assist physicians with patient follow-up.
Clean, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot diagnostic equipment, including more complex problems.
Maintain supplies needed for diagnostic procedures.
Obtain medical records for chart checks.
Observe and report unusual patient complaints or conditions.
Assist in scheduling patient appointments.
Perform related work as required.