Certified Ophthalmic Technician

Overview

With the knowledge and understanding of eye anatomy and mastery of testing protocols, independently assist physicians of the Ophthalmology and Visual Science Department in performing patient care, diagnostic tests necessary for evaluation of patient eye problems. Independently perform diagnostic testing for multi-specialty ophthalmic practice with specialized testing including, but not limited to A-scan, keratometry, manifest refractions, topography, cellular microscopy and use of the IOL Master. Perform diagnostic clinical photography and digital imaging, including but not limited to: Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) testing, digital fundus and high magnification nerve head imaging, digital fluorescein angiography, digital ICG angiography, digitized HRT testing, UBM, ERG, external eye and anterior segment imaging of Yale Eye Center patients and patients referred from external facilities and physicians. Perform clinical photography and digital imaging for departmental clinical trials. Independently perform preliminary screening examination for physician review including but not limited to central and peripheral visual field tests; ocular motility tests; color vision tests; pharmacological pupil tests; tonometry, topography and other tests to determine intraocular pressure and pupil testing for size, equality and reaction prior to dilation. Perform specialized testing procedures appropriate to specialty using both automated and manual equipment.

Acting independently perform the following: position 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 procedures appropriate to specialty, provide information to patients concerning specific tests and procedures, record test results, identify and report abnormalities.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Demonstrated communication skills for patient interaction and interactions with physicians and co-workers. Strong written communications skills. Time management skills.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of medical procedures, administering diagnostic tests and specialized equipment and instruments. Proven experience in diagnostic testing for multi-specialty ophthalmic practice with specialized testing including, but not limited to A-scan, keratometry, manifest refractions, topography, cellular microscopy and use of the IOL Master.
3. Proven ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with clinical photographic and digital imaging equipment. Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating environment. Well-developed computer skills.
4. Ability to assist in providing coordinated and compassionate care at every patient encounter. Ability to assist with patient transfers to and from wheelchairs.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Five years demonstrated ophthalmic experience. Working knowledge of EPIC.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

CRA Certified Retina Angiographer, CO Certified Orthoptist or COMT Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician. Ophthalmic Assistant Certification by JCAHPO or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

Principal Responsibilities

1. Independently performs specialized testing procedures appropriate to specialty. Perform diagnostic clinical photography and digital imaging to support physician to arrive at a diagnosis and to prescribe treatment.
2. 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.
3. Sets up, operates, and maintains equipment to conduct tests and procedures appropriate to specialty. Assists patients in transfers to/from wheel chair, stretcher, exam tables, etc.
4. Provides information to patients concerning specific tests and procedures. Reads and interprets obtained images. Records test results. Identifies and reports abnormalities.
5. Coordinates processing of slides and film. Instructs and acts as a source of information on testing techniques, procedures, and equipment operation.
6. Schedules patient appointments and originates billing paperwork. Reviews and prepares financial paperwork related to clinical activities.
7. Analyzes and compiles patient information.
8. Creates visual aids for lecture presentations and publications.
9. 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.
10. Performs additional functions related to clinical activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related experience; four of them in the same job family at the next lower level and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate’s Degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Ophthalmic Assistant Certification by JCAHPO or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).