Ophthalmic Technician

Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Clinical Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which he/she is assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day and requires an individual to be flexible and well-trained. The primary responsibility of the Clinical Technician is patient care, work-up, and preliminary testing in preparation for the Provider's examination of the patient.

The Clinical Technician:

• Acts within the scope of practice an ophthalmic technician and carries out other clinical and administrative functions as directed by the Administration of the Department for any of the assigned Clinical Services, (i.e., General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry, Refractive Surgery, and Retina/Vitreous)
• Monitors the clinical areas of the practice for patient and staff safety
• Cleans and maintains the equipment used by the practice
• Stock supplies daily and maintains the order of each day's assigned areas
• Maintains an orderly and professional appearance in all clinic areas of the Department
• Actively pursues and attends continuing educational opportunities to ensure current knowledge in the ever-evolving role of the ophthalmic technician
• Stays abreast of changes in the field and seeks new skills and/or training as new, upgraded, or advancements in instrumentation develops

Key Responsibilities

% of

Time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

20 Yes

Patient Screening and Preliminary Testing

• Manages patient expectations by providing practice-specific guidelines related to service/visit. Seeks clinical input when appropriate.
• Creates a professional and positive first impression for patients and referring physicians.
• Prescreening: Review and record patient demographics and prepare electronic patient records for physician review. Demographics is inclusive of, but not limited to:
  • Ophthalmic and Systemic Medical History
  • Medication reconciliation
  • History of Present Illness
  • Chief Complaint
  • Allergies, sensitivities and side effects
  • Family and Social History
• HLT III Position requires fluency and competency in preliminary screening and testing in all subspecialty clinics
• Visual Assessment: Performs and documents various acuity measurements and diagnostics tests as per physician requirement/symptomology.
• Refractive Assessment: Distinguishes between different spectacle types (single vision distance, single vision near, bifocal or multifocal)
• Tonometry/Pachymetry: Performs testing as indicated for patient's age and/or physician order.
• Promptly and professionally assists physicians and optometrists in patient care.
• Compiles all paperwork for pre-operative examination. Ensures that all paperwork has been appropriately completed, including patient and physician signatures. Completes patient health survey.
• Administers and legibly documents the administration of ophthalmic medication drops
• Ensures that the physician's orders are followed, confirms all ordered testing is completed and verifies that testing results are reconciled in the medical record.

40 Yes

Complex Diagnostic Testing and/or Procedure Support

• Performs complex diagnostic ancillary tests and/or procedure support requiring an advanced level of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye within the scope of practice of an ophthalmic technician.
• Cleans, operates and maintains the advanced procedural and diagnostic instrumentation as needed, including mechanical, electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer's instructions
• Understands and maintains calibration of all diagnostic instrumentation used.
• Entry level to the Ophthalmic Technician III position requires a demonstrated competency in two (2) or more of the following areas of diagnostic testing or Procedure Support, as outlined below.

Diagnostic Testing:

1. Goldmann perimetry
2. Ultrasound
   • Diagnostic Echography (AScan)
   • Diagnostic Echography (BScan)
3. Axial length and IOL calculations for cataract surgery
   • Axial-length (AScan biometry)
   • IOL Measurement and Calculation
4. Electrophysiology
   • Multi-focal Electroretinogram (ERG)
   • Visually Evoked Potential (VEP)
   • Electro-oculogram (EOG)
5. Microperimetry
6. Corneal Mapping and Related Testing
   • Endothelial Cell Count (ECC)
7. Within a Technician's scope- Corneal topography and tomograpy including Wavefront aberrometry and other corneal and anterior segment imaging techniques as needed

Procedure Support within the Senior Technician's scope:

1. Set up of the Light Delivery Device (LDD) for the Light Adjustable Lens
2. Minor procedure assistance including but limited to; EDTA Chelation Procedures, Crosslinking procedures, corneal graft re-suturing, Keratectomy, keratoplasty and re-bubbling procedures.
3. Maintains sterile field and uses principles of aseptic technique in all situations

4. Certified in the operation of excimer and femtosecond lasers by vendor.

   Performs safety checks and calibration procedures of the femtosecond and excimer lasers. Troubleshoots any femtosecond or excimer laser problems with the assistance of Clinical engineering including placing tickets for repairs.

10 Yes

Quality & Performance Improvement

• Contributes to/Leads team building by actively participating/leading in meetings and discussions with other providers regarding practice activities.
• Works with supervisor and co-workers to improve procedures and administrative systems. Actively Participates in performance improvement projects and customer service initiatives.
• Has a supportive role in familiarizing new employees including Fellows, Residents, Medical students to the clinical functions, policies, and procedures of UCSF Medical Center and the Department of Ophthalmology.
• Maintains and monitors for HIPAA compliance with electronic protected health information
• As assigned, fill in for other co-workers to help address workload problems and cover vacation or sick leave openings.
• Attends training classes provided by the Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF Medical Center, and other venues as required to keep skills and clinical practice updated.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and cleans all equipment being used. Reports nonworking equipment to supervisor. Understands and maintains calibration of all diagnostic instrumentation used.
• Maintains exam rooms, replenish supplies and drops with ordering supplies and medications as assigned.
• Compliance with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards
• Cleans and maintains department instrumentation as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by department administration.

10 Yes

• Initial screening and dissemination of patient advice messages.
• Assists with medication refills and medication prior authorizations under the supervision of the clinical manager/tech supervisor with nurse supervisor guidance.

.

5 Yes Optical Coherence Topography (Macula, Anterior Segment, RNFL) 5 Yes Non- Invasive Posterior Segment Photography (Fundus/Optic Disc/Nevus) 5 Yes Axial Length Measurements 2 Yes Automated visual fields 1 Yes Corneal Topography 1 Yes Auto-keratometry 1 Yes Lensometry

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) from IJCAHPO, or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA)
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in clinical ophthalmology
• Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and terminology
• Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system
• Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education
• Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient
• Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance
• Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up
• Possesses the ability to work intermittently standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day
• Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation
• Under the direction of the Manager, actively works toward JCAHO compliance
• Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT)
• Graduate of Surgical technician training program or Sterile Surgical Technique/Assisting Certification
• ALCON Certified Refractive Technician Training
• 1 year experience as a surgical technician
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• Experience with a high-volume ophthalmic refractive or corneal practice or University Ophthalmic practice

• Bilingual or multi-lingual capability

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR/BLS (including patient assessment, and vital signs)
• Must meet the eligibility criteria for JCAHPO certification and have passed COT examination (written and Practical exam) prior to obtaining employment

Depending on the scope of practice of each individual Diagnostic/Procedural Technician, one or more of the following Certifications or Registrations may be required

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Ophthalmologic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB)
• Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA)

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) from IJCAHPO, or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA)
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in clinical ophthalmology
• Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and terminology
• Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system
• Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education
• Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient
• Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance
• Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up
• Possesses the ability to work intermittently standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day
• Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation
• Under the direction of the Manager, actively works toward JCAHO compliance
• Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT)
• Graduate of Surgical technician training program or Sterile Surgical Technique/Assisting Certification
• ALCON Certified Refractive Technician Training
• 1 year experience as a surgical technician
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• Experience with a high-volume ophthalmic refractive or corneal practice or University Ophthalmic practice

• Bilingual or multi-lingual capability

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR/BLS (including patient assessment, and vital signs)
• Must meet the eligibility criteria for JCAHPO certification and have passed COT examination (written and Practical exam) prior to obtaining employment

Depending on the scope of practice of each individual Diagnostic/Procedural Technician, one or more of the following Certifications or Registrations may be required

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Ophthalmologic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB)
• Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA)