Ophthalmic Assistant (Floater)

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Float Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) is a traveling position across the greater Phoenix Metro area (the Valley) .  This position will be assigned to various clinic locations based on operational needs, which may change daily or weekly. The role may also require occasional same-day, mid-shift travel between clinic locations.

This role generates important preliminary information to be used by the physician; reviews patient status and performs medical tests all under the direction of the physician.  Ability to distinguish colors. Corrected vision to normal range. Stand and/or walk for up to eight hours per day. Bend, stoop, twist, and assist patients in turning or arising from exam chair or stretcher. Push wheelchair patients and assist patient in arising and returning to wheelchair/stretcher.  

Responsibilities

 

• • Provides support across multiple clinic sites as assigned.

  • Travels between designated work locations as required by operational needs and scheduling demands.

  • Adapts seamlessly to varying workflows, providers, and patient volumes across clinic sites.

  • Greets patients and visitors promptly and provides courteous, helpful service.

  • Obtains and documents ophthalmic and medical histories in accordance with established guidelines.

  • Performs testing appropriate to the scheduled examination, patient complaints, and medical history.

  • Performs visual acuity testing, autorefraction, manual and automated lensometry, Goldmann and Tono-Pen tonometry, and keratometry in accordance with established guidelines.

  • Evaluates pupils, extraocular muscle function, and confrontation visual fields.

  • Trains first-time contact lens wearers in the proper use and care of soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses.

  • Performs color vision, depth perception, and Schirmer’s tear testing as indicated by established guidelines.

  • Determines when additional diagnostic testing is needed and coordinates follow-up testing in accordance with established guidelines.

  • Performs diagnostic testing, including immersion A-scan, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual field testing.

  • Instills mydriatic agents when indicated and in accordance with established guidelines and applicable protocols.

  • Reviews patient charts and documents testing and examination results to ensure completeness and accuracy.

  • Reviews documentation for quality assurance, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and return-to-clinic (RTC) instructions.

  • Educates patients regarding ophthalmic conditions and obtains informed consent for minor procedures and injections performed in the clinic, as appropriate to the role.

  • Explains and demonstrates procedures to promote patient awareness, understanding, and cooperation.

  • Provides care and support to patients across all age groups.

  • Maintains clean, organized, and properly equipped examination rooms throughout the workday.

  • Prepares examination rooms and escorts patients to and from checkout when appropriate and feasible.

  • Monitors electronic faxes (e-faxes) and electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) to ensure successful transmission and a “Sent” status.

  • Monitors and completes incoming tasks in a timely manner.

  • Communicates clinic delays, patient flow concerns, and other operational issues to management in a timely manner.

  • Monitors supply levels, maintains appropriate inventory, and submits orders to Purchasing as needed.

  • Cleans patient examination rooms and maintains diagnostic testing equipment in accordance with established cleaning and infection prevention protocols.

  • Demonstrates compliance with all applicable organizational requirements, policies, and procedures.

  • Understands and adheres to all MIPs requirements and Out-Patient Treatment Center policies and procedures.

  • Knows, understands, and follows established professional, teamwork, and customer service standards.

  • Works toward obtaining certification or maintains certification requirements appropriate to the level of certification held, including Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).

  • Assists with minor office procedures, including laser treatments, excisions, and other procedures performed in the clinic, as appropriate to the role.

  • Checks expiration dates of medications and supplies stored in the back office as requested and addresses expired items in accordance with established protocols.

  • Demonstrates and maintains current competencies applicable to the position.

  • Remains informed of company policies, procedures, and organizational updates through appropriate communication channels, including the internal employee website.

  • Performs other duties as assigned to support efficient patient flow and smooth clinic operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

• REQUIRED:  Minimum of one year of ophthalmology assistant/technician experience 

• Knowledge of sterile techniques and applicable clinical protocols.

• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates a patient-focused approach and commitment to providing excellent customer service.

• Must have reliable transportation to travel between designated clinic locations daily and, occasionally, between locations during the workday, based on operational and scheduling needs.