Orthoptist

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Elks Children's Eye Clinic at Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology at OHSU, is seeking a full-time certified or board-eligible orthoptist. This role involves working with a team of pediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, a fellow, and other orthoptists. As an academic department, there is involvement in fellowship and residency training programs, and the clinic is a study site for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and has an AACO-approved orthoptic training program. The primary goals are excellent patient care, education, and research. Orthoptists will evaluate and treat pediatric and adult patients with strabismus, co-manage amblyopia treatment, perform strabismus exams for clinical trials, and teach basic exam skills to various trainees. They will also participate in clinical and didactic teaching for orthoptic students.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree AND Orthoptist certification (CO) AND 3 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.
Must be certified by the American Orthoptic Council.
BLS certification through American Heart Association (AHA), provider level is required.
Outstanding interpersonal and patient relations skills.
Detail oriented and meticulous in all aspects of work.
Strong follow-through skills and ability to proactively identify and solve problems.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with physicians/researchers.
Exceptional database management abilities.
Ability to multi-task is critical.
Ability to work well with team members is essential.
Strong customer service and teaming skills are essential.
Ability to plan and organize technical work and to adapt to a changing work environment is critical.
Must be able to assess and develop work tasks and systems in order to optimize performance.
Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Windows, Office, Word, Excel, Power Point and related computer applications.
Basic computer keyboard skills including typing of at least 30-45 WPM.
Must complete (or have completed) required EpicCare training.
Upon completion of Epiccare, must be able to accurately abstract patient data from existing paper charts into EpicCare and must have/maintain working knowledge and use of EpicCare system.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with research design, statistics and use of computers for research is preferred.
Experience in pediatrics and an academic environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform sensorimotor exams and orthoptic-specific testing on new and select return patients in the pediatric division prior to physician examination.
Make diagnosis and treatment recommendations directly to supervising physicians.
Evaluate select return patients independently (under indirect supervision) and make evidence-based changes to treatment plans.
Devise therapeutic plans for select returning amblyopia and strabismus patients, perform office treatment, and monitor progress.
Educate patients/parents on binocular vision diagnoses.
Direct and assign home therapy for the treatment of amblyopia and strabismus.
Conduct the initial phase of scheduled new and return patient ophthalmic examinations, including obtaining history, measuring visual acuity, tonometry, axial length, and other ocular vital signs and measurements.
Assist with minor in-office surgical treatments such as Botox injections and adjustable sutures.
Accurately document all pertinent exam information in the electronic health record (EHR).
Create an assessment outlining pertinent assessment and plan for patients undergoing a sensorimotor exam for binocular vision disorders.
Associate billing codes with diagnoses in orthoptic visit encounters and accurately submit to the supervising physician for approval.
Enter orders within EHR for necessary diagnostic testing procedures and medication initiation and refills.
Support the orthoptic training program by precepting orthoptic students.
Prepare and administer lectures and other educational materials to orthoptic students on orthoptic theories and clinical skills.
Participate in clinical and didactic teaching of medical students, residents, fellows, practicing ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, and nurses in orthoptic concepts and pediatric eye care basics.
Present courses at regional and national meetings of professional associations.
Actively participate in patient education by maintaining updated patient education materials and resources.
Provide research support for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and other research studies by certifying as a study examiner and recording relevant study data.
Maintain current knowledge of pediatric ophthalmology clinical trials, including study protocols, eligibility, enrollment, and randomization criteria.
Maintain CITI certifications required for research participation.
Promote and support the development of research for orthoptic students, including mentoring in all clinical research activities.
Triage, reply to, and/or direct patient messages, phone calls, and Mychart messages.
Call and speak with patients/families directly to answer questions or discuss concerns regarding conditions affecting binocular vision.
Screen all prospective new pediatric ophthalmology patient referrals to assign appropriate appointment priority.
Complete vision reports for patients with an individualized education plan or other outside documentation requested by outside providers.
Manage clinic calendars.
Involve in ad hoc division meetings.
Prepare and deliver used surgical instruments.
Administer OHSU policy for patient safety and infection control.
Perform high-level disinfection and sterilization.
Perform basic maintenance of clinical instruments and equipment.
Initiate work orders for damaged equipment.
Order clinical supplies and medications.
Restock exam rooms.
Perform other duties assigned by the manager.