Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

Summary


SUMMARY: Possesses knowledge and skills in history taking, patient services, instrument maintenance, basic clinical optics, basic ocular motility, visual fields, intermediate tonometry, ocular pharmacology, and photography. Incumbent assists physicians and other technical support staff to perform diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems. Performs related duties as required.


DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.


1. Assist in coordinating services for patients, e.g., reminder calls, scheduling tests, etc.


2. Assist the physician in the preparation of routine microbiological specimens.


3. Calibrate and maintain all instruments used including, but not limited to bio- microscopes, lensometer, keratometer, slit lamp and tonometers; clean and stock consultation rooms and microbiology laboratory with drugs and other supplies as needed.


4. Examine the cornea, lens and anterior chamber of the eye using a slit lamp and note variations from normal.


5. Maintains knowledge of local and topical anesthesia, lachrymal surgery, oculo-plastic surgery, orbital surgery, post-op drugs and their reactions, and prescription medications.


6. Measure acuity of patient, with and without glasses, for distance and near vision; obtain optical and lensometry measurements to determine lens prescription; record findings on patient chart.


7. Other duties as necessary.


8. Performs testing: corneal topography, autorefraction, contrast sensitivity tests, tonometry, Humphrey visual fields, OCT, pachymetry, A-Scan for IOL calculation, B-Scan, ophthalmic photography and using other ophthalmic equipment in the clinic.


9. Performs initial patient exams, which includes: obtaining ocular, medical, and family histories; measuring, comparing, and testing pupils; measuring visual acuity and eye pressures; color vision testing applies eye dressings.


10. Provides information to patients concerning procedures and surgery; verifies surgery schedules; maintains, sterilizes, and sets up instruments for procedures; assists doctors with procedures and patient monitoring.


11. Sterilize and set up instruments for ophthalmic procedures; assist with office procedures and laser treatments.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.


Preferred Experience: One year of relevant experience.


Preferred Licenses/Certifications: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certfication or coursework working towards a COA or COT.