Job Description

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Clinical Supervisor/Manager, the Ophthalmic Technician I is responsible for facilitating patient care and flow by performing the preliminary work up of the patient exam including history taking and performing a variety of screenings and diagnostic tests necessary for patient care by following established standards and procedures.      

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Obtains patient physical history to include chief complaint, reason for visit, current medications, allergies, past and current ocular and medical history.   
• Performs various screening and tasks as ordered by the physician including, but not limited to visual acuity, lensometry, refraction, keratometry, pupil evaluation, measurement of eye pressure, drop instillation, etc.  
• Performs and assist with various diagnostic tests and ocular imaging as determined necessary through patient assessment such as Optical Coherence tomography (OCT), Topography, Visual Fields, IOL Master, etc.
• Prepares patient consent forms and assists physician with in office procedures as needed.
• Set up exam rooms by ensuring that they are clean, organized, stocked with necessary medications, supplies, instruments, forms, and patient education materials. 
• Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection of instruments and supplies per hospital and manufacturer recommendations, assists with calibration and maintenance of equipment. 
• Facilitation of clinic flow and scribing components of the exam into the Electronic Health Record.  
• Complies with all local, state and federal regulations and laws governing the performance of this position within the Ophthalmology department.
• Performs and assists with other clinical, administrative, technical related duties as required or directed.

Qualifications

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of eye terminology, basic anatomy and physiology of eye preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with patients and understand their needs, and be responsive to elderly and sensory handicapped patients. 
• Ability to work closely and effectively with all disciplinary members of the care team.
• Excellent communication skills required to effectively explain the exam process to patients and help allay their concerns and apprehensions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high volume clinics.
• Energetic, self-motivated, and ability to function independently.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent PLUS experience in an ophthalmic or healthcare related setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• Completion of ophthalmic, optometric, or medical assistant training program and/or AAO Home Study Course preferred.
• Current CPR certification preferred. Will be required within 3 months of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in an ophthalmic practice preferred.
• Experience with computers and scheduling systems preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Close contact with children, adolescents, elderly, and sensory handicapped patients, with some exposure to blood and hypodermic needles.
• Busy multi-specialty practice, and work environment involving several physicians.
• May be required to float to satellite offices and must provide own transportation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to physically assist patients from wheelchairs into exam chairs and escort patients to other floors as needed.
• Ability to assist the elderly and visually impaired.
• Requires prolonged standing, walking, some bending, stooping, and stretching.

Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

COVID-19 POLICY:

Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.