Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmology Clinical Assistant 3

Yale Health promotes the health and well-being of every member of the Yale community, so that each individual can achieve his or her highest goals and aspirations. Providing consistently outstanding care, compassionate, patient-centered service and innovative practices is our promise to our members and Yale University.

The Ophthalmology Department at Yale Health provides comprehensive care and management of all eye problems. The Clinical Assistant 3 will assist the clinicians in performing routine eye exams as well as exams for eyeglass prescriptions.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform specialized testing procedures such as preliminary screening examination for physician review including history taking and medication review, visual acuity, manifest refraction, ocular motility, color vision, anterior segment evaluation including pupils, applanation tonometry, autorefractometry, manifest refractometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry, Humphrey Visual Field testing, and all aspects of a pediatric or adult comprehensive exam.
• Room patients. Review patient's chart, patient's condition and physician's notes to plan and determine method of testing. Set up, operate and maintain equipment to conduct tests and appropriate procedures. Provide information to patients concerning specific tests and procedures.
• Reads and interprets obtained images. Records test results. Identifies and reports abnormalities.
• Instructs and acts as a source of information on testing techniques, procedures, and equipment operation.
• Sterilize and set up instruments for ophthalmic surgical procedures; assist with minor office surgery. Calibrate and maintain instruments. Assist in the maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Order and maintain inventory of supplies. Clean and stock rooms.
• Answer phones, schedule appointments and direct the flow of patients; arrange for laboratory and other tests; review and prepare charts. Assist in the processing of paperwork or forms.
• Reviews, collaborates with clinicians, and responds to patient inquiries or requests for assistance in the EMR. Triages patient calls and messages and assists in appropriate scheduling when appropriate.
• Contributes to organizational initiatives and efforts. Perform additional duties as needed.

Schedule/Shift: Full-time, 37.5 HRS; Weekdays; Flexible schedule, generally, Monday – Friday, between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays/recess periods may also be required. Participates in extended hours rotation during the academic year.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant in a clinical Ophthalmology or Optometry practice. Proficient in the use of specialized equipment and instruments and in administering diagnostic tests and performing procedures related to the current practice of Ophthalmology
• Proficiency in the use of an EMR, preferably Epic, in a healthcare setting.
• Advanced proficiency in medical terminology related to the practice of Ophthalmology.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Well-developed critical thinking skills with the ability to use sound independent judgment in order to solve problems.
• Proven ability to work as part of a collaborative and supportive team. Ability to work positively and respectfully with a diverse population.
• Excellent attendance, punctuality and reliability, as attested by references.

Preferred Skills and Abilities JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. When applying, please submit/upload a copy of your certification.

Principal Responsibilities

• Independently performs specialized testing procedures appropriate to specialty.
• Performs preliminary screening examination for physician review. Reviews patient's chart, patient's condition, and physician's notes to plan and determine method of testing. Positions patients.
• Sets up, operates, and maintains equipment to conduct tests and procedures appropriate to specialty. Assists patients when necessary to dress/undress for exams, or in transfers to/from wheel chair, stretcher, exam tables, etc.
• Provides information to patients concerning specific tests and procedures. Reads and interprets obtained images. Records test results. Identifies and reports abnormalities.
• Coordinates processing of slides and film. Instructs and acts as a source of information on testing techniques, procedures, and equipment operation.
• Schedules patient appointments and originates billing paperwork. Reviews and prepares financial paperwork related to clinical activities.
• Analyzes and compiles patient information.
• Creates visual aids for lecture presentations and publications.
• Reports equipment problems and acts as a liaison with repair personnel. Maintains quality control checks and log service records. Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. Maintains disposal inventory per department protocol regarding date of use/disposal.
• Performs additional functions related to clinical activities.

Required Education and Experience Eight years of related experience, six of them in the same job family at the next lower level and a high school level education; or six years of related experience and an Associate's Degree; or two years of related work experience and a Bachelor's Degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.