Ophthalmic Technician

Job Title

Under clinical direction, to perform routine and complex photographic techniques, and various diagnostic and clinical tasks in the care and treatment of patients.

The Power of WE: Together, we can make a greater impact. Bringing better care and expanding healthcare services across the community.

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is the second largest public health care system in California and includes three acute care hospitals, 14 clinics and 60+ specialty and sub-specialty services. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center - SCVMC is a full-service tertiary acute care teaching hospital with 699 licensed beds providing a wide range of specialized services, including Rehabilitation, Burn, Trauma, and NICU. SCVMC was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #6 Rehabilitation Hospital in the nation and #1 in the West and designated as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care, Heart Failure, Stroke, Hip Fracture, and Pneumonia.

O'Connor Hospital - O'Connor Hospital (OCH) is a 358 licensed bed acute care facility offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty programs to residents of Santa Clara County. It was founded in 1889 as one of the first hospitals in the county. OCH has grown significantly over the past five years in both its inpatient volume and its Emergency Department visits. Along with these volume increases other ancillary and clinical departments like imaging, lab, pharmacy, and respiratory have seen growth as well.

St. Louis Regional Hospital - Since 1989, St. Louise Regional Hospital (SLRH) has been caring for the residents in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient medical specialties. SLRH has 93 beds, is a Designated Primary Stroke Center, and is the only acute care hospital in the area. Located in Gilroy, SLRH maintains a CALSTAR 2 emergency helicopter base on the premises.

Regional Medical Center – Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a 258-bed hospital that is the main emergency healthcare provider for East San José, treating a wide range of critical and life-threatening conditions for more than 60 years. Since the SCVH integration of RMC effective 4/1/25, RMC has expanded the critical services including Level II trauma, Thrombectomy capable Stroke Center and STEMI care, and has been seeing an increased number of emergency visits and inpatient volume.

Typical Tasks

• Performs external, intraocular, and fluorescein angiographic photography;
• Processes angiography film for physician's evaluation and treatment prescription;
• Sorts, labels, and mounts photographs;
• Maintains files of visual fields and diagnostic ultrasound materials for diagnostic evaluation;
• Performs diagnostic visual field testing;
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound (B-scan);
• Maintains files of diagnostic ultrasound materials for evaluation;
• Performs measurements and calculations for intraocular lens implants (A-scan) prior to cataract extractions;
• Performs keratometry and provides refractive information on post surgical patients to physicians;
• Assists in routine patient handling with performance and recording of visual acuities, patient history, tonometry measurements, and general screening techniques;
• Evaluates therapeutic contact lens fitting and assists physicians in follow-up of patients;
• Maintains diagnostic equipment by cleaning, inspecting, and troubleshooting more complex problems;
• Maintains supply of materials needed for various diagnostic procedures;
• Obtains medical records for chart checks;
• Observes and reports any unusual complaint or condition of patients;
• Assists in scheduling patient appointments;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and abilities.

• Basic ophthalmic assistant practices;
• Use, application and maintenance of various ophthalmic patient care equipment and supplies such as ophthalmic lasers, ultrasound, tonometers, retinoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, etc.;
• Medical and ophthalmic terminology;
• Principles of asepsis;
• Patient observation skills including urgent and emergency condition reporting;
• Operation, maintenance and simple calibration of specialized equipment;
• Methods of measuring and recording acuity;
• Color vision testing methods;
• Basic tonometry;
• Ophthalmic anatomy and basic pathophysiologic principles.
• Ability to:
• Perform a variety of routine and complex ophthalmic and patient care tests and services;
• Gather and record patient ocular and physical history;
• Perform a variety of diagnostic and measurement techniques (A-Scan, B-Scan, ultrasound, etc.);
• Perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on clinic equipment;
• Understand and follow written and oral English instructions;
• Provide direct ophthalmic patient care;
• Use English, communicate effectively both verbally and in written form;
• Organize priorities and follow through with assignments in a timely manner;
• Maintain positive relationships with patients and co-workers.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

• Retirement Benefits: The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan.
• Health Flexible Spending Account: The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year).
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP): The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses.
• Life and AD&D: The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
• Employee Wellness: The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
• Education Reimbursement: A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.