Ophthalmic Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the guidance of the physician and direct supervision of the Tech Trainer/Supervisor/ and Chief Ophthalmic Technician.  Performs various tasks to provide clinical support necessary for quality patient care. Participates in the care of patients in a clinical setting by performing various ophthalmic examinations; scheduling appointments, scribing, and maintaining patient medical records. Responsibilities include organizing and prioritizing work to ensure completion in an efficient and timely manner.    

Position: Ophthalmic Assistant

Department: BMC Eye Clinic

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

General:

• Greets patients and gathers demographic information and documents in the medical record.
• Screens each patient and completes preliminary examination according to each physician’s preference to include, documentation of chief complaint, history of present illness, allergies, current medication, and medical history.
• Documents all procedures/decisions in the patient's medical record, under instruction from physician which may include facilitating and or scribing.  
• Conducts fundamental patient education and counseling.  
• Assist physician in preparing patients for laser surgery, basic maintenance and inventory of ophthalmic equipment and supplies. Sets up for surgical setting, such as preparation of tools and instruments.
• Assists the physician in surgical setting following established protocols and paying attention to patient’s clinical needs.
• Operates various clinical equipment. Records patients’ findings in patients’ medical records.
• Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of clinical area on own initiative and reports any malfunctioning equipment as observed by supervisor.
• Maintains a complete understanding of emergency procedures.
• Attends staff meetings and seminars.
• Adapts to changes based on departmental needs including but not limited to helping other team members, floating, adjusting assignments, etc.

At Boston Medical Center we offer various levels for our Ophthalmic Technician role encompassing the general responsibilities noted above, as well as expanded scope based on skillset and experience providing clear pathways for growth opportunity to grow, development and recognition of your accomplishments.

Level specific Responsibilities/Duties:

Ophthalmic Assistant:

• Entry level. Working towards learning the responsibilities and duties to become a level 1 ophthalmic technician.

Ophthalmic Technician 1:

• Performs indicated tests which may include Visual Field Testing, OCT and Optos, Lensometry, Automated Refractometry, Pupil Assessment; Gross External Examination and eye drop instillation, tonopen and/or iCare.

Ophthalmic Technician 2:

• Perform indicated tests which include Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Auto Refractometry, Refractometry, Pupil Assessment, Extra Ocular Motility; Gross External Examination, Applanation Tonometry and t onopen and or iCare eye drop instillation.
• Performs more complex tasks as directed by the physician, which may include: Pachymetry, DRS+, OCT, Pentacam and Optos.

Senior Certified Ophthalmic Technician:

• Performs more complex tasks as directed by the physician which may include: Pachymetry, Manifest Refractometry, OCT, Pentacam, DRS+, IOL Master and Immersion A scan, Specular Microscopy and Optos.
• Must have the ability to perform one or more of the following more advanced skills, such as:
  • B scan
  • Goldmann Visual Fields

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above does not represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Preferably one to two years of education beyond high school (graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technology, Ophthalmic Assistant, or Allied Health Professional program or equivalent preferred).  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• No certification is required for non-senior level positions.

Senior Certified Ophthalmic Technician Requirements:

Certification or Licensure required. Requires current national certification through the Joint Commission of Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) in at least one of the following:

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or
• Certified Ophthalmic Technician or
• Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Or:

• Licensure or Doctorate in Optometry or Ophthalmology, which includes foreign licensure and doctorate degrees.

EXPERIENCE:

Ophthalmic Assistant – None

Ophthalmic Technician Level 1:

• Demonstrates the ability to perform all duties listed on the Ophthalmic Technician I competency checklist, including previous experience working as an Ophthalmology Assistant.

Ophthalmic Technician Level 2:

• Demonstrates the ability to perform all duties listed on the Ophthalmic Technician II competency checklist. At least 2 years of previous experience working as an Ophthalmology Assistant or Technician.

Senior Certified Ophthalmic Technician:

• Requires 5+ years of previous experience working as an Ophthalmic Assistant or Technician.  Experience would include history taking, ophthalmic patient services, general medical knowledge, and visual acuity testing, visual field testing, lensometry, color vision testing, extraocular muscle testing, and tonometry, as well as various other more complex skills.
• Must be able to complete complex tasks as directed by the physician which may include: Pachymetry, Manifest Refractometry, OCT, Pentacam, DRS+, IOL Master and Immersion A scan, Specular Microscopy and Optos.
• Must also be able to perform one or more of the following more advanced skills, such as:
  • B scan
  • Goldmann Visual Fields

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Must have knowledge of medical terminology.
• Requires the analytical ability to understand and apply complex and semi-complex ophthalmic procedures and follow detailed instructions from the physician.
• Requires the interpersonal skills necessary to relate to patients in a sympathetic and tactful manner and allay patient apprehension.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.
• Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.
• An optimistic attitude, strong customer service focus, and willingness to work as a contributing member of a team.
• Requires knowledge of the Department’s policies, procedures and protocols normally acquired through on-the-job training.

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.