Orthoptist

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia•Worcester, MA

20d•$83,700 - $106,700

About The Position

The Orthoptist helps manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and its satellite offices, while also contributing to teaching and clinical research. The role is primarily clinical and takes place in a busy, multidisciplinary academic environment with a high level of pathology. There may be opportunities to participate in teaching and academic programs at CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania Department of Ophthalmology. The Orthoptist supports pediatric ophthalmology staff in patient evaluation, independently staffs and operates an Orthoptics Clinic approximately bimonthly, teaches clinical learners and staff, and participates in departmental research and professional education activities.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with electronic medical records preferred.

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 areas and examination areas.
Administer medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
Perform retinoscopic and manifest refraction.
Educate and instruct patients on 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 additional test scheduling, and alert clinical areas to facilitate patient flow, patient care, and clinic operations.
Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly, managing patients with amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic conditions.
Teach ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
Participate in internal training and education with ophthalmology staff.
Attend and present at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses, and technicians.
Participate in departmental research and potentially 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 own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.