Optometric Assistant

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority•Cherokee, NC

18d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Patient Eye Clinic. The primary function of this position is to provide technical assistance to the optometrist or ophthalmologist. The position demands a significant degree of personal responsibility to make decisions and to work independently.

Requirements

Requires the ability to operate a computer, various equipment associated with an eye clinic, and related office equipment.
Requires knowledge of various software packages: i.e., Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
Knowledge of optical prescription writing and verification using lens measuring instruments.
Knowledge of basic ocular anatomy.
Skill in operating optical dispensary tools and equipment necessary to adjust and repair eyeglasses.
Knowledge and skill in frames styling and all phases of dispensing eyewear.
Knowledge of optical principles and materials in spectacle selection and fabrication.
Knowledge of clinic and area optical policies and programs.
Basic knowledge of certain common eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, cataracts, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, etc.
Knowledge of visual field-testing devices including Humphrey techniques, test strategies, and terminology to perform tests as instructed.
Knowledge of fundus photography instruments and principles and techniques to photography.
Must have experience in applying various policies and procedures in the performance of assigned duties.
Must be able to maintain specified records, files, and logs of the department.
Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Requires the ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
Valid State ID required.
An Associate’s Degree in Allied Health in Ophthalmology Technician is preferred, or a related field, with an understanding of anatomy, medical terminology, microbiology, ophthalmic optics and physiology.
Previous experience working in an eye clinic of two years is required.

Nice To Haves

Optometric Certification is required within 2 years of hire date.

Responsibilities

Receives patients, performs a screening to include: case history, visual acuity, confrontation fields, inter-pupillary distance measurements, and neutralization of the patients’ glasses.
Prepares patients for examination.
Assists optometrist in examination as required.
Provides interpretation services as needed.
Performs other tests as requested by the optometrist, including but not limited to depth perception, near-point convergence, keratometry, Pachymetry, auto-refraction, tonometry and color vision.
Performs blood glucose and blood pressure measurements as requested.
Instills topical medications as instructed.
Instructs patients how to insert, remove, clean, and care for contact lenses.
Appoints patients according to established clinic protocol.
Instructs patients in basic vision and eye health education, including the proper use of ocular pharmacological agents, prognosis, follow-up, eyewear use, and adjustment to eyewear.
Maintains equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to the provision of services.
Prepares requisitions as needed.
Maintains a variety of recurring reports related to eye department activities as well as special reports when requested.
Performs chart reviews as instructed.
The incumbent assists with office clerical support work for the Optometry clinic when the secretary is on leave, at training, or otherwise out of the department.
The work involves receiving and redirecting telephone calls, patients, and visitors; receiving mail; preparing outgoing mail; maintaining files; scheduling appointments; and providing translation for the optometrist as needed.
Work also involves utilizing word processing and database management software tools.
Utilizing a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer and OCT.
Prepares patients for the procedure, positions patient, initializes and selects test parameters, conducts the test, monitors the patient responses, files results in the patient’s chart.
Photographs retinal anatomy or pathology utilizing a table mounted fundus camera.
Prepares patients for the procedure, positions the patient, and photographs area of interest according to verbal instructions.
Labels photographs with patients’ name, chart number, date, and right or left eye.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Contact Lens ordering/Stocking as required. Stocking/replenishing exam lanes with supplies and equipment.