Ophthalmic Technician - Per Diem

Albany Medical Center•Albany, NY

14d

About The Position

The Ophthalmic Technician collects patient information and performs diagnostic tests required by physicians to support professional diagnosis. The role includes explaining office procedures and tests to patients, obtaining medical and ocular histories, and accurately documenting measurements. The technician supports patient flow and triage, provides telephone support for ocular emergencies and care questions, and performs duties consistent with an ophthalmic writer/scribe. The position also supports physicians during minor surgery, maintains instruments and sterile conditions, keeps exam and procedure rooms clean and stocked, and may travel to a satellite location. The technician should seek guidance from senior staff when needed and must not perform beyond their capabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be substituted.
Two to five years of experience in an ophthalmology practice.
Advanced comprehension of ophthalmic assistant skills as outlined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Basic understanding of optics and ability to perform refractometry.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathetic personality and concern for patients’ needs.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
Ability to work as a team member.
Comprehension of optics, refraction, and contact lenses.
Ability to perform comprehensive workups on three patients per hour.
Computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Some college.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification.

Responsibilities

Orient new patients to office procedures and explain the purpose and effects of tests.
Obtain patient histories, including chief complaint, present illness, ocular and general history, family history, allergies, and medications.
Perform and document ophthalmic measurements and tests, including visual acuity, manual lensometry, visual fields, stereo testing, motility and pupillary function assessments, color plates, applanation tonometry, refractometry, angle assessment, dilation, contact lens evaluations, optic nerve scanning, pachymetry, and corneal topography.
Perform other diagnostic tasks as required by the physician and new technologies.
Back up the ophthalmic photographer with fundus, exterior, and anterior segment photographs.
Perform duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe.
Assist physicians with minor surgery while following sterile technique and infection-control standards.
Determine which patients should be brought from the waiting room for testing and escort patients for data collection.
Inform patients about who will see them after testing and make them comfortable while they wait.
Maintain patient flow to the physician, adjusting test sequence as needed, and communicate with reception to facilitate flow.
Provide telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient-care questions.
Troubleshoot instruments, replace bulbs, check connections, and archive according to manufacturer recommendations.
Autoclave instruments and maintain instrument sterility; report ongoing difficulties to the Lead Ophthalmic Technician.
Maintain cleanliness and backup stock in examination and procedure rooms.
Seek advice from senior staff as necessary and avoid performing beyond capabilities.
Travel to a satellite location when needed and perform other duties as required.