Ophthalmic Technician - PRN - Days

VCU Health • Richmond, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician, the ophthalmic technician performs a range of duties which includes preparing the patient to see the Attending Physician (preliminary exam, medical history, & testing), preparation of examination and treatment rooms, performing basic and routine vision screening examinations, administering eye medications, cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic instruments and assisting physicians during minor surgical and laser procedures. This role provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and acts as a clinical assistant to the physician. The technician verifies patient information by interviewing the patient, recording medical history, and confirming the purpose of the visit. They perform complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion), Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation). Accurately records all information in the EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95% accuracy. Checks the condition of patients' eyes by performing slit lamp examination and documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation. Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, noting changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to the Attending Physician. Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping patient information confidential. Counsels patients by transmitting physician's orders, instructions on the use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imaging required/ordered. Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and promptly reporting equipment issues. Handles patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription refill requests. Performs a standard number of patient work-ups based on established times while maintaining the quality of customer service. Opens and closes examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and stocked properly. Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of the department. Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilization or High-Level Disinfection (HLD). Sets up and preps for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field. Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS. Follows attendance and dress code policies. Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Successfully completion of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Medial Assisting Course within 12 months.
• Obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) within twenty-four (24) months of hire date.
• Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Physical - Lifting 20-50 lbs.
• Activities: Prolonged standing, Walking (distance)
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
• Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
• Previous experience in an academic health care environment.
• Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Responsibilities

• Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, and confirming purpose of visit
• Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion), Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation.
• Accurately records all information in EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95 % accuracy.
• Checks condition of patients' eyes by performing slit lamp examination and documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
• Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to Attending Physician.
• Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping patient information confidential.
• Counsels patients by transmitting physician's orders, use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imagining required/ordered.
• Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and promptly reporting equipment issues.
• Handling patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription refill requests.
• Performs set a standard number of patient work-ups based on established times while maintaining the quality of customer service.
• Opening and closing examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and stocked properly.
• Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of the department.
• Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilization or High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
• Sets up and prep for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS
• Follows attendance and dress code policies
• Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED