Orthoptist

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

10d • $83,700 - $106,700

About The Position

The Orthoptist helps manage the care of selected ophthalmic patients at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and its satellite offices. The position primarily involves clinical care in a busy, multidisciplinary academic environment with a high level of pathology, with potential involvement in teaching and academic programs at CHOP and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. The role also includes clinical research, staff education, and participation in professional education and conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic.
• Orthoptic Certification from the American Orthoptic Council within 12 months.
• Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members.
• Good stamina and decision-making skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with electronic medical records.

Responsibilities

• Assist pediatric ophthalmology staff with clinical evaluations, including taking medical and ophthalmic histories, reviewing systems, reconciling medications, and summarizing chief complaints.
• Perform vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other parts of the ophthalmic examination.
• Escort patients between waiting and examination areas.
• Administer medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
• Perform retinoscopic and manifest refraction.
• Educate and instruct patients about glasses, patching, medication administration, and eye exercises.
• Document findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record.
• Consult with an appropriate physician as needed.
• Coordinate examination sequencing and scheduling of additional tests, alerting appropriate clinical areas to support patient flow, patient care, and clinic operations.
• Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly to manage amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients.
• Teach ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
• Participate in internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff.
• Attend and present at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses, and technicians.
• Participate in departmental research activities and may serve as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients for publication in orthoptic and ophthalmology journals.
• Attend and participate in seminars, conferences, and conventions.
• Present papers about personal research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.

Benefits

• Annual influenza vaccination is required for employees working in patient care buildings or with patient-facing responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level