Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician; the ophthalmic
technician performs a range of duties which includes preparing the patient to
see the Attending Physician (preliminary exam, medical history, & testing),
preparation of examination and treatment rooms, performing basic and routine
vision screening examinations, administering eye medications, cleaning and
maintaining ophthalmic instruments and assisting physicians during minor
surgical and laser procedures.
Essential Functions
Performance Expectation:
Provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and acts as clinical assistant to
the physician.
Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history,
and confirming purpose of visit
Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests
(refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion),
Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation.
Performance Expectation:
Accurately records all information in EMR (EPIC) system according to established
standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95 %
accuracy.
Checks condition of patients' eyes by performing slit lamp examination and
documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation,
motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, changes in
visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to
Attending Physician.
Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and
safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping
patient information confidential.
Performance Expectation:
Counsels patients by transmitting physician's orders, use of drops, contact
lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imagining
required/ordered.
Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting
breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and
promptly reporting equipment issues.
Handling patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription
refill requests.
Performs set a standard number of patient work-ups based on established times
while maintaining the quality of customer service.
Performance Expectation:
Opening and closing examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and
stocked properly.
Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of
the department.
Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilization or
High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
Sets up and prep for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and
maintaining the sterile field.
Performance Expectation:
Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and
following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal
regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS
Follows attendance and dress code policies
Performance Expectation:
Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: N/A
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Successfully completion of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic
Medial Assisting Course within 12 months.
Obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied
Health Personnel (JCAHPO) within twenty-four (24) months of hire date.
Experience REQUIRED:
Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology
performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing
Experience PREFERRED:
Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in ophthalmology performing initial
examinations and diagnostic testing.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Previous experience in an academic health
care environment.
Education/training REQUIRED:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Education/training PREFERRED:
Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Certified Medical
Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of
Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Independent action(s) required:
Independently performs perform complete ophthalmic history and preliminary
exams, sub-specialty testing, maintains equipment and coordinates patient flow.
Additional position requirements:
Other duties as assigned
Must be willing to work at all office locations.
Age Specific groups served: All
Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical - Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Activities: Prolonged standing, Walking (distance)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak
clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent
and intense customer interactions, Able to adapt to frequent change
Compensation Range
$23.18 - $35.92
Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant
work experience, credentials, and qualifications.
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran