Ophthalmic Technician (Comprehensive Technician)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Comprehensive Technician (uncertified, COA/COT/COMT)
Reports To: Supervisor; Director of Clinical Services
Last Reviewed: September 23, 2020
Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary: This position assists the physician by gathering essential medical information from the patient, performs a variety of diagnostic tests and screenings, which provides the ophthalmologist with the required information needed for an accurate assessment of the patient's ocular health.
Technician (COA/COT/COMT) Essential Functions
- Disinfect equipment prior to calling patient into exam room.
- Disinfect hands in front of patient
- Greet patients and introduces self prior to eye exam
- Give patients information regarding what testing is being conducted and why, and what to expect from the work up and the provider exam
- Answers patients questions appropriately without diagnosing or interpreting exam findings
- Obtain, in detail, the patient's chief complaint – obtaining all pertinent elements of the complaint
- Completes a detailed patient review of systems, which includes: current medical history, past medical history, ocular history, family medical history and social history; List patient's occupation, family physician and any referring physician; In the case of minors or individuals who require a guardian, list the name of the person that is accompanying the patient
- Obtain a list of all current medications – systemic and ocular. Indicate last time each eyedrop was used.
- List all known allergies and reactions
- Check patient's vision, both distance (Snellen) and near (Jaeger) and as appropriate with pediatric or non-verbal patients.
- Neutralize and record patient's current glasses Rx, to include distance, bifocal and prism as needed – recording which type of bifocal the patient is currently wearing
- Conduct the following tests: Motility, versions, near point of convergence, confrontation visual fields
- Perform an assessment of angles, and pupils in both indirect and direct light, and record pupil size and/or abnormalities, including a + or – Afferent Pupillary defect. Should also be able to identify other pupil abnormalities, such as Adies Tonic Pupil, Marcus Gunn, etc.
- Accurately perform refractometry
- Perform Goldmann applanation tonometry or tonopen tonometry
- Dilate patients as directed by the physician
- Triage phone calls and help with medication refills when asked
- Perform a variety of special diagnostic tests, including, but not limited to: OCT-Spectralis, Cirrus and Visante, Visual fields-Humphrey, Octopus and/or Goldman, Ascans(Lenstar, IOLmaster), BAT, Amsler Grid testing, IOL Calculations, Topography, Specular Microscopy, Pachymetry
- Assist in minor clinic procedures
- Run autoclave as needed for instruments to be clean for next procedure.
- Able to perform work-ups efficiently and accurately meeting time and quality standards set by management and doctors
- Perform any other duties as assigned
Other Essential Functions
- Must be willing and able to work a variety of hours and frequently travel to our various locations
- Must present self at the workstation, ready for work, at the scheduled time
- Participates in department and company meetings, as requested
- Performs other duties as assigned
Education & Licensing
- High School Diploma, or equivalent, required
- COA, COT, or COMT preferred
Experience
- Graduation from 2 year technician training program preferred
- 1-2 years experience in ophthalmology practice working as refracting technician preferred
Skills & Knowledge
- Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye; knowledge of systemic diseases and their effect on the eye; knowledge of ocular diseases and their effect on vision and patient function
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of the theory and logic for conducting specific testing procedures and is able to apply those in the clinic setting
- Ability to multi-task and adhere to deadlines when faced with multiple interruptions and sometimes stressful situations
- Can confidently establish priorities based on workload, focusing on attention to detail and accuracy
- Capacity to analyze and problem-solve issues in order to identify areas of process improvement and increase efficiencies
- Able to work independently and handle and resolve problems on own, but also know when to collaborate with staff and be a team player
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to develop and foster relationships with co-workers, managers and other departments
- Courteous and professional demeanor while demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment to company vision and mission
- Ability to maintain confidentiality utilizing HIPAA guidelines
- Working knowledge of coding and government requirements
- Basic computer skills, including Word and Excel and a willingness to learn new software programs as need arises. Comfortable typing, using email, and using mouse to direct input.
Work Environment
Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking for up to 10% of the time. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. May be required to deal with unpleasant environmental situations resulting from patient care or patient activity. Occasionally exposed to communicable diseases and medical preparations common to a clinic environment.
Mental
Must have clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; the ability to handle work-related stress; the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Physical
The physical requirements are those an individual would encounter in an indoor office setting. The physical environment is comfortable with no significant environmental hazards. Must be able to move arms above shoulder height for many of the tests and also must be able to stand and sit at multiple times during the exam. Must have good motility of the digits (fingers) as they will be asking patients to tell them when they see their wiggling fingers. Must be able to do some minor assisting of some patients in and out of the exam room chairs.
Auditory/Visual
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging information by the means of spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at a normal spoken word levels; visual activity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
Revised 9.23.2020
