Ophthalmology Dry Eye Clinical Coordinator

Visionary Ophthalmology•Rockville, MD

About The Position

The Dry Eye Clinical Coordinator manages and coordinates the dry eye disease program within an ophthalmology practice. The coordinator is the primary resource for patients undergoing dry eye evaluation and treatment, providing education, coordinating care and follow-up, monitoring progress, and supporting providers. The role collaborates with ophthalmologists, optometrists, technicians, and administrative staff to support patient outcomes and the dry eye service line. Clinical work includes assisting with dry eye evaluations and procedures, performing specialized diagnostic testing, preparing rooms and equipment, documenting test results, and preparing patient education materials. The position also coordinates dry eye treatments and prescription therapies, maintains treatment protocols and supplies, and supports accurate clinical records and quality improvement. Additional duties include venipuncture and laboratory specimen handling, as well as receiving, inspecting, processing, preparing, labeling, packaging, and storing donated placental tissue and amniotic membrane under established procedures. The coordinator maintains related records and a compliant processing environment, follows safety and confidentiality requirements, and participates in relevant training and competency assessments.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Knowledge of ophthalmic diagnostic testing and procedures.
Strong understanding of dry eye disease and ocular surface disorders.
Excellent patient education and communication skills.
Ability to build rapport with patients and encourage treatment compliance.
Knowledge of electronic medical record systems.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Detail-oriented with excellent documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher.
Completion of an ophthalmic assisting program.
Minimum of 2 years of ophthalmology or optometry experience.
Experience with dry eye disease management.
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification.
Ophthalmic Scribe Certification.
Other relevant ophthalmic certifications.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for patients undergoing dry eye evaluation and treatment.
Educate patients about dry eye disease, treatment options, medication use, and home care regimens.
Coordinate diagnostic testing, treatment appointments, and follow-up visits.
Monitor treatment compliance and patient progress through regular communication.
Respond to patient inquiries about dry eye therapies and treatment plans.
Document patient interactions accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Assist providers during dry eye evaluations and procedures as needed.
Perform specialized dry eye diagnostic testing, including meibography, Schirmer testing, tear breakup time assessments, and ocular surface imaging.
Prepare examination rooms and diagnostic equipment and accurately document test results and provider recommendations.
Prepare patient education documents and videos.
Perform venipuncture in accordance with physician orders and established protocols.
Collect, label, process, and prepare blood specimens for drop processing; maintain specimen integrity and ensure proper handling, storage, and transport.
Document specimen collections and results accurately in the EMR and follow OSHA, infection control, and safety guidelines.
Monitor and maintain inventory of phlebotomy supplies and laboratory materials.
Educate patients about laboratory testing and specimen collection procedures.
Receive and verify donated placental tissue and accompanying documentation; inspect tissue and review required documentation and laboratory test results before processing.
Prepare processing areas, equipment, instruments, and supplies using appropriate aseptic techniques.
Separate and prepare amniotic membrane from placental tissue, and cut it into specified sizes and configurations according to established procedures.
Label, package, and store processed tissue; maintain records of tissue identification, processing dates, lot or batch numbers, and final disposition.
Maintain a clean, organized, compliant processing environment and properly handle and dispose of biohazardous materials.
Protect confidential donor and tissue-related information and comply with applicable organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Participate in required tissue-processing training, ongoing education, and competency assessments.
Schedule and coordinate dry eye procedures and treatments, including LipiFlow/TearCare, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, radiofrequency treatments, and punctal plug procedures.
Coordinate prescription therapies and specialty medications.
Maintain treatment protocols and patient education materials.
Maintain accurate patient records and treatment logs.
Manage inventory of dry eye-related supplies, medications, and equipment.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA and practice policies.
Support quality assurance and process improvement initiatives.