Ophthalmic Assistant

Posted: November 2016  |  Department: Clinical  |  Reports To: Facilitator  |  Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

This individual is responsible for providing chair-side doctor assistance, performing diagnostic tests as required by ophthalmologist, and administering treatment as allowed and ordered by the physician.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology preferred.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interdependent and supportive team player.
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Empathetic to patient’s needs and concerns.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand and walk 50% of the time and sit, talk, write, perform computer entry, and review information 50% of the time. Extended periods of standing may be required occasionally.
• The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Communication and Patient Care

• Obtains patient history, to include chief complaint, history of present illness, past history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications.
• Monitors patient flow, ensuring the physician exam rooms are always full.
• Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe.
• Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks to include:
  • Visual acuity
  • Manual lensometry
  • Confrontational visual fields
  • Stereopsis
  • Motility
  • Pupillary function
  • Color Plates
  • Applanation tonometry
  • Humphrey Visual Field
• Escorts patients to front desk after exam.

Patient Education

• Reviews the use of Amsler grid testing with patient for at-home monitoring.
• Reviews physician-generated instructions with patient.
• Provides appropriate patient education materials as directed by physician.

Administrative

• Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities.
• Maintains stock levels and cleanliness of exam rooms.
• Prepares for Ophthalmic Assistant certification (COA) exam.
• Performs other duties as required.