Ophthalmic Technician (Ophthalmology)

Ophthalmic Technician

This position is needed to support a large multi-subspecialty ophthalmic satellite office with management and handling of in-basket messages, along with a variety of other patient related administrative tasks. Working with Columbia faculty, Clinic Manager and Clinic Supervisor, we are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician whose primary role is to manage the incoming in basket messages from the following:

• Direct messages received from the patient portal (MyChart).
• Urgent and routine messages from the Patient Access Services call center.
• Messages from the 20 Columbia providers and other Wilmer location providers.

In addition, this person will be responsible for tracking and processing forms requests, including but not limited to MVA driver license renewal forms, FLMA, Disability forms, etc. Additional responsibilities will include managing patient enrollment in retina drug co-pay assistance programs. Excellent organizational skills along with good communication (written and verbal) skills are necessary for success in this position. The preferred person should be an experienced ophthalmic technician with comprehensive ophthalmology knowledge in most if not all ophthalmic sub-specialties. A successful candidate will use critical thinking skills to triage and discern urgent patient issues versus routine matters querying the providers if additional guidance is required to ensure appropriate patient care. The person will need to communicate effectively with patients on a level that is easily understood. Daily interaction with the Columbia providers, clinic manager, clinical supervisors, clinic supervisor and front desk team is required to coordinate patient care and appointment scheduling if needed.

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University has an exciting opportunity for exceptional candidates to train for a career as an Ophthalmic Technician, no experience required. Start your career in Ophthalmology with one of the leading organizations in delivering state-of-the-art eye care, training future healthcare leaders, and conducting cutting-edge research. We have a robust training program that will provide you with a strong foundation to pursue a multitude of career paths beyond Ophthalmic Technician such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research, to name a few. This is also an opportunity for pre-med students to gain clinical experience during their gap year or prior to applying to medical school, as.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Nonclinical

• Respond to Epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool) and patient questions.
• Process routine and urgent refill requests.
• Review/process prior authorization requests for medications received via In Basket message or RightFax.
• Obtain appropriate prior authorizations for upcoming in-office procedures.
• Provide support to front desk staff by assisting in triage for appointment scheduling.
• Explain technician related concerns to front desk staff.
• Assist with the management of the intravitreal medication inventory.
• Assist with tracking and processing of forms requests (e.g., MVA, disability, FLMA).
• Provide input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
• Maintain general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
• Obtain and maintain required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.

Clinical

• Record patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
• Check pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
• Measure central visual field using Amsler Grid.
• Instill eye drops under physicians' direction.
• Measure and record distance and near visual acuity.
• Measure and record intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e., Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
• Perform Humphrey visual field testing; refer patients for further testing where appropriate.
• Perform OCT's
• Perform IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery.
• Perform Pentacam measurements.
• Perform accurate refractions.
• Test color vision and depth perception (stereopsis).
• Screen for presence of ocular motility disorders.
• Use slit lamp to examine eye surface.
• Perform special testing like Brightness Acuity Testing; Potential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
• Perform basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
• Compile and enter data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
• Teach patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
• Perform ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognize difficult scans and adjust unit as needed in patients with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
• Perform accurate keratometry readings and adjust keratometer reading if unobtainable.
• Calculate intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient's needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
• Take fundus photos as needed.
• Assist with in office procedures.
• Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
• Ensure medication expiration dates are current.
• Responsible for maintenance and sterilization of instruments.
• Disinfect and maintain examination rooms.
• Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control.
• Maintain refrigerator logs, sharps container, etc.
• Have familiarity with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.
• This position is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Asst (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
• CPR certification also required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with insurance authorizations.