Optometry Technician

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Covington, KY

About The Position

Provides individualized, direct patient care to assigned patients under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider and assists in delivering healthcare services. Supports colleagues in providing personalized patient care and maintains positive working relationships with the healthcare team. Provides care and service to patients across assigned age groups. The role supports clinic operations, patient flow, ophthalmic testing, exam-room preparation, and accurate patient documentation. The description reflects the general nature of the position and may be amended or supplemented at the employer’s discretion.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Computer or mainframe terminal and multi-line telephone skills, including the dexterity needed for data entry and information retrieval.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient-care process.
Proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboarding.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability and experience working with and maintaining confidential information.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Ability to transcribe information accurately, neatly, and clearly.
Skill in working to prescribed clinic and ophthalmic standards.
Ability to use equipment, perform tests, and read results as needed, including visual acuity, extraocular motility, pupil evaluation, confrontational fields, color vision, stereo vision, tonopen/applanation tonometry, lensometry, keratometry, eye irrigation, refractometry, manual A-scan measurements, topography, brightness acuity testing, and slit-lamp examination.
Ability to assist with contact lens removal and insertion.
Ability to meet the physical demands of Medium Work, including exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly; prolonged sitting or standing is also required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Ophthalmic Medical Technology.
Two years of experience or an Associate’s degree in Ophthalmic Assisting.
Experience with ophthalmology examinations in a high-volume patient department.
Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification through JCAHPO.

Responsibilities

Manage patient flow into and out of exam rooms to support clinic operations.
Retrieve and collate patient information for the provider.
Clean, stock, and maintain exam rooms, procedure rooms, instruments, and equipment; prepare patients for provider examinations.
Perform near and distant visual acuity, Amsler grid, Worth 4-dot, color vision, stereo vision, and basic tear secretion tests.
Retrieve patients’ contact lens records for optometrist review.
Clean, disinfect, and pack instruments for autoclaving.
Document pertinent patient information in the medical record according to department guidelines, including vital signs, height, weight, allergies, brief history, patient instructions, and communication of test results.
Ensure future appointments are scheduled or communicated and referrals or pre-authorizations are initiated and obtained.
Adapt interactions to the patient population, respecting privacy and adjusting introductions, explanations, requests for permission, and communication style.
Perform other related duties as required.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and concerns related to patient or employee safety, privacy, or compliance.