Jr. Ophthalmic Technician

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

1d•$42 - $52

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor/Manager and guided by UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and Department of Ophthalmology policies and procedures, the Ophthalmic Technician organizes and operates the technical functions of an assigned practice. Assignments may vary from day to day, so the role requires flexibility and training across clinical functions. The primary responsibility is patient care, work-up, and preliminary testing in preparation for a provider’s examination. The technician works within the scope of ophthalmic technician practice and may carry out clinical and administrative functions across assigned services, including General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Refractive Surgery, and Retina/Vitreous. The role also supports patient and staff safety, equipment and supply readiness, and an orderly, professional clinic environment. The technician is expected to maintain current knowledge and develop skills as instrumentation and clinical practice evolve.

Requirements

At least 6 months of experience in clinical ophthalmology or optometry.
IJCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification.
Ability to pass required competency testing in ophthalmic technician procedures.
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 and education.
Demonstrated ability to care for and direct blind or partially sighted patients.
Demonstrated experience cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic instrumentation.
Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up.
Ability to work with intermittent standing and sitting for 8–9 hours per day.
Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation.
Ability to work toward JCAHO compliance under the direction of the Supervisor/Manager.
Demonstrated experience responding to a patient emergency in a clinic.
CPR/BLS certification, including patient assessment and vital signs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Bilingual or multilingual capability.

Responsibilities

Perform patient screening and clinical support, including reviewing and recording demographics and preparing electronic records for provider review.
Record ophthalmic and systemic medical history, medication reconciliation, history of present illness, chief complaint, allergies and sensitivities, and family and social history.
Perform and document visual acuity measurements and diagnostic tests according to provider requirements and patient symptoms.
Distinguish between spectacle types, including single-vision distance, single-vision near, bifocal, and multifocal lenses.
Perform tonometry and pachymetry as indicated by patient age or provider order.
Assist physicians and optometrists promptly and professionally in patient care.
Compile pre-operative examination documentation, verify required patient and physician signatures, and complete patient health surveys.
Administer ophthalmic medication drops and document their administration legibly.
Ensure provider orders are followed, ordered testing is completed, and results are reconciled in the medical record.
Provide practice-specific service and visit guidance to patients and seek clinical input when appropriate.
Create a professional and positive first impression for patients and referring physicians.
Monitor clinical areas for patient and staff safety.
Participate in team meetings, discussions, performance-improvement projects, and customer-service initiatives; work with supervisors and coworkers to improve procedures and administrative systems.
Help orient new employees, Fellows, Residents, and medical students to clinical functions, policies, and procedures.
Maintain and monitor compliance with HIPAA requirements for electronic protected health information.
Cover coworkers’ workloads and absences as assigned.
Attend required training to keep clinical skills and practices current.
Maintain, troubleshoot, clean, and calibrate diagnostic equipment; report nonworking equipment to the supervisor.
Maintain exam rooms, replenish supplies and drops, and keep assigned areas orderly and professional.
Comply with Medical Center house and telephone standards.
Deliver instruments to SPD for processing according to protocol.
Pursue continuing education and stay current with changes in ophthalmic practice and instrumentation.