Ophthalmic Technician

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Technician provides comprehensive clinical and administrative support to ophthalmologists and optometrists delivering specialized eye care. The role includes direct patient care, ophthalmic testing and visual assessments, patient education, clinical documentation and electronic health record management, referral and prior-authorization coordination, and administrative support for ophthalmology clinic operations. The technician works under the supervision and guidance of the Supervisor or Practice Manager and collaborates with an integrated care team to support efficient clinic workflow and positive patient outcomes. The position is 40 hours per week, with a day schedule and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as patient care and clinic operations require. The technician may also be assigned to work across medical specialties within Good Shepherd Medical Group. Work is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment and includes frequent exposure to infectious or contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment. The setting may be fast-paced, unpredictable, and noisy, with changing demands and potential high-pressure or emergency situations.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Current BLS certification.
Current CPR certification.
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
Knowledge of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
Knowledge of ophthalmic clinical equipment, including tonometry equipment, visual field analyzers, autorefractors, lensometers, keratometers, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus cameras, slit lamps, and specialized ophthalmic testing devices.
Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical principles related to ophthalmic equipment.
Ability to meet the role's communication, sensory, and motor-coordination requirements, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
Ability to stand and walk continuously through most of the shift and to perform occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently; frequently push, pull, carry, or reposition objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds; and occasionally lift or transfer individuals weighing over 100 pounds using appropriate techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance.
Ability to sit for long periods at times.
Ability to follow safety protocols and use personal protective equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) training program.
JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification.
Bilingual ability and/or English-Spanish speaking ability.
At least one year of experience in an office-based ophthalmology practice.

Responsibilities

Room patients and collect relevant ophthalmic, medical, and family history, including medications, previous eye surgeries, and chief complaint.
Perform eye testing and assessments, including visual acuity, visual fields, extraocular motions, intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry, pinhole acuity, pupil measurements and testing, and refraction as necessary.
Prepare examination rooms and supplies; assist providers during examinations and procedures; and clean and sterilize ophthalmic equipment and diagnostic lenses.
Instill ophthalmic medications and drops as directed by providers and established protocols.
Educate patients about medications, tests, procedures, and surgical interventions as directed by healthcare providers.
Independently perform ordered ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, including intraocular pressure testing, visual field testing, pachymetry, keratometry, ocular biometry, ocular ultrasounds, fundus photography, visual acuity assessments, and other CLIA-waived ophthalmic tests.
Document patient histories, visual assessments, intraocular pressure readings, test results, and clinical findings in the ophthalmology electronic medical record.
Process ophthalmic medication refill requests, enter them into electronic records, and route them to providers for approval.
Complete coding, documentation, charting, and referrals associated with ophthalmic procedures and diagnoses.
Respond to patient calls and messages about ophthalmic questions, scheduling, and post-procedure inquiries.
Coordinate with healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmacies regarding eye care services and insurance coverage.
Work with the referral coordinator to identify authorization requirements and obtain prior approvals for procedures, surgeries, and specialized testing as directed.
Maintain adequate supplies, diagnostic equipment, and specialized instruments in examination rooms and central supply areas.
Perform routine maintenance and calibration of ophthalmic testing equipment and coordinate repairs and updates with biomedical services.
Provide front-office support, including appointment scheduling, chart preparation, reception, and phone coverage as needed.
Maintain current ophthalmic procedure guidelines and protocols to support other staff.
Support the hospital's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures; participate in required DNV-program education as applicable; and perform other related duties as assigned.