Summary

Ophthalmic technicians provide support to ophthalmologists and optometrists within the clinical environment. Ophthalmic technicians are able to perform many ophthalmic diagnostic tests and assessments for providers, triage patient messages, and assist with in-clinic procedures. Ophthalmic technicians should possess excellent critical thinking skills, excellent clinical skills, be able to multi-task, and have excellent customer service skills.

Job Duties

Ophthalmic technicians assist with the following tests/assessments within an ophthalmology practice including but not limited to the following:

• obtain a thorough medical history from the patient;
• assess patients visual acuity, both near and far vision;
• perform manual lensometry on patient's glasses;
• assess patient's refractive error by performing a manifest refraction;
• assess patient's intraocular pressure by performing Goldmann tonometry;
• assess patient for pupillary defects;
• assess patient's color vision;
• assess patient's visual field with confrontation testing;
• assess patient's extraocular muscle functioning;
• assess patient's angles so that dilation can be performed safely; and,
• dilate patient in accordance with provider instructions for type of exam.

Other

Ophthalmic technicians need to also perform the following:

• Respond to patients' messages in a timely manner;
• assist call center and/or triage technician with getting emergent/urgent patients added into clinic based on symptoms;
• Prepare pre-operative paperwork and assessments that are needed for upcoming surgeries;
• Work with front desk to ensure that message boards are update with any current delays in clinic;
• Complete forms for pre-authorization requests by insurance companies for certain prescribed medications;
• Ensure that exam rooms are stocked and cleaned in accordance with departmental and BCM guidelines;
• Attend CME courses to maintain and enhance ophthalmic technician skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• No experience required.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree either AA, BS or BA.
• COA, COT or COMT through JCAHPO
• Two years working as an ophthalmic assistant or ophthalmic technician within an ophthalmology practice.