Ophthalmic Assistant - Apprentice

Salary Range

$18.20 - $29.04
Overview

Located in the heart of Washington, we enjoy open skies, snow-capped mountains, and the lakes and rivers of the high desert. We are the proud home of orchards, farms, and small communities. Confluence Health actively supports the communities we serve and their quality of life through our community support program and through our individual efforts as involved community members.

Full Time Employees of Confluence Health receive a wide range of benefits in addition to compensation.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Saving Accounts
• Paid Time Off
• Generous Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Shift Differential

For more information on our Benefits & Perks, click here!


Summary

We are offering an apprentice program to provide on the job training to become an Ophthalmic Technician. This is a great entry level position and training opportunity to gain clinical experience in the Regional Eye Clinic. Technicians can also advance through our career ladder through certifications that come with bonuses and pay increases!

To work as an assistant with the Ophthalmologists/Optometrists and to provide technical services to patients. No experience necessary as we have our own training program. An ophthalmic technician will assist with gathering patient history, updating patient medication lists, perform diagnostic imaging, assisting with in-office procedures (e.g. injections and lasers), providing patient education support, and processing of ophthalmic instruments. The Ophthalmic Technician I has introductory knowledge and ability of the Essential Functions.

Position Reports To: Ophthalmology Supervisor/Practice Manager

Essential Functions

1. Follow standard work to obtain patient medical history and confirm purpose of visit.
2. Perform basic vision tests according to standard work-up by exam type.
3. Understand and manage patient workflow for maximum efficiency.
4. Instill topical ophthalmic ointment/drops under the direction of the physician.
5. Obtain vital signs according to protocol.
6. Clean and setup rooms between patients; restock room supplies and medications as needed.
7. Calibrate, maintain, and clean instruments and equipment per protocol.
8. Perform basic clinical eye testing:
   • Tonometry
   • Color Vision testing
   • Stereo Vision testing
   • Refraction
   • Pachymetry
9. Assists with in-office procedures including injections and lasers, including set up and clean up according to protocol.
10. Educates patient per physician and/or department protocol.
11. Maintain working knowledge of Ophthalmic procedural/diagnostic coding.
12. Maintain working knowledge of Ophthalmic anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, ocular mobility, clinical optics and contact lenses.
13. Travel to outreach areas with provider, time and mileage reimbursed.
14. Maintain Basic Life Support (CPR), MA-R, and Surg Tech licensures.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Demonstrate Standards of Behavior and adhere to the Code of Conduct in all aspects of job performance at all times.


Qualifications

Required:

• Entry level position, on the job training program.
• Medical Assistant Registered (MA-R) licensure with Washington State Department of Health (apply upon hire, paid by department).
• Surgical Technologist licensure with Washington State Department of Health (apply upon hire, paid by department).
• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification (within 90 days of hire).
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to focus amidst ongoing distractions and interruptions.
• Ability to relate effectively to patients and the general public.
• Telephone etiquette.
• Skills in organization, time management, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Attentive to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Desired:

• Coursework in medical terminology, ophthalmic pharmacology, and ophthalmic anatomy and physiology.
• Highly encouraged to seek JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within two years of hire.
• Ophthalmology experience of six months.

Physical/Sensory Demands

O = Occasional, represents 1 to 25% or up to 30 minutes in a 2 hour workday.

F = Frequent, represents 26 to 50% or up to 1 hour of a 2 hour workday.

C = Continuous, represents 51% to 100% or up to 2 hours of a 2 hour workday.

Physical/Sensory Demands For This Position:

• Walking - F
• Sitting/Standing - F
• Reaching: Shoulder Height - C
• Reaching: Above shoulder height - F
• Reaching: Below shoulder height - F
• Climbing - O
• Pulling/Pushing: 25 pounds or less - O
• Pulling/Pushing: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Pulling/Pushing: Over 50 pounds - O
• Lifting: 25 pounds or less - O
• Lifting: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Lifting: Over 50 pounds - O
• Carrying: 25 pounds or less - F
• Carrying: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Carrying: Over 50 pounds - O
• Crawling/Kneeling - F
• Bending/Stooping/Crouching - F
• Twisting/Turning - F
• Repetitive/Steady/Gripping/Grasping Movements - F

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in patient exam and treatment rooms and at technician station; space may be limited and confined. Works independently and as a team member. Hours may be slightly irregular, and overtime may be required. Requires working under stressful conditions at times. The Department Manager and Department Supervisor provide general supervision. The physicians provide additional instruction, guidance and direction.

Job Classification:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Hourly/Salary: Hourly

Physical Exposures For This Position:

• Unprotected Heights - No
• Heat - No
• Cold - No
• Mechanical Hazards - No
• Hazardous Substances - No
• Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Potential - Yes
• Lighting - Yes
• Noise - No
• Ionizing/Non-Ionizing Radiation - No
• Infectious Diseases - Yes