CO Ophthalmic Technician

We are seeking anOphthalmic Technicianfor a clinical position that handles multiple functions in a busy ophthalmological practice. The job requires multi-tasking in order to complete a variety of tasks. Working with faculty, Clinic Manager and Clinic Supervisor, this position's primary role is to provide technician/clinical support to physicians.

Secondary responsibilities include limited administrative duties such as responding to messages from patients and physicians and assisting with patient requests for refills, forms completion and prior authorizations.

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University has an exciting opportunity for exceptional candidates to train for a career as an Ophthalmic Technician, no experience required. Start your career in Ophthalmology with one of the leading organizations in delivering state-of-the art eye care, training future healthcare leaders, and conducting cutting-edge research. We have a robust training program that will provide you with a strong foundation to pursue a multitude of career paths beyond Ophthalmic Technician such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research, to name a few. This is also an opportunity for pre-med students to gain clinical experience during their gap year or prior to applying to medical school, as well. No evening or weekend work required. Follow this link to learn more, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/education/clinical-training/ophthalmic_technician.html

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

• Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
• Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
• Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
• Instills eye drops under physicians' direction.
• Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
• Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e., Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
• Performs Humphrey visual field testing.
• Performs OCT's.
• Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery.
• Performs Pentacam measurements.
• Performs accurate refractions.
• Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
• Screens for presence of ocular motility disorders.
• Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
• Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; otential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
• Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
• Teaches patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
• Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting unit as needed in patient with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
• Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometer reading if unobtainable.
• Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient's needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
• Takes fundus photos as needed.
• Refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
• Assists physicians with in-office procedures.
• Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
• Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
• Ensures medication expiration dates are current.
• Ensures instruments are sent to and picked up from JH Central Sterile Processing.
• Disinfects and maintains examination rooms.
• Understands and practices the fundamentals of microbial control.
• Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps containers, etc.
• Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.

Nonclinical

• Duties may include, but are not limited to the following,
• Reviewing and responding to Epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool) and patient questions.
• Processes refill requests.
• Assists with obtaining required prior authorizations from insurers for procedures, medications and injections.
• Provides support to front desk staff by assisting in triage scheduled appointments and explains technician related concerns.
• Assists with tracking and processing of form requests (i.e., MVA, disability, FLMA).
• Provides input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
• Maintains general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
• Maintains required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Observation of and rapid reaction to changeable situations.
  
• Ability to concentrate on instruments and other visual stimuli.
• Occasionally lifts and transports supplies up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to safely utilize various types of Ophthalmic Equipment to directly contact the patient's eye.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with patients. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to manipulate extremely small objects.
• Constantly positions self to adjust ophthalmic equipment in order to perform exams.
• Ability to move about to escort patients to the exam rooms and different departments, gather and replace supplies, and stock rooms.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
• CPR certification required.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician
Job Posting Title (Working Title):CO Ophthalmic Technician
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE
Starting Salary Range: $19.50 - $35.00 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:Johns Hopkins Bayview
Department name: SOM Oph Bay Bayview
Personnel area: School of Medicine