Ophthalmic Technician (Ophthalmology)

We are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician who will primarily provide technician/clinical support to physicians in outpatient clinical settings. Secondary responsibilities include administrative duties such as responding to in-basket messages from patients and physicians and assisting with patient requests for refills, obtaining prior authorizations from insurers, and completing forms for patients.

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 conditions, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk assessments and family history.
• Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict, checks for afferent pupillary defects.
• 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; refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
• 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 the presence of ocular motility disorders.
• Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
• Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; Potential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
• Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
• Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
• 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 patients with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
• Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometer readings if unobtainable.
• Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
• Take fundus photos as needed.
• Assists physicians within office procedures.
• Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
• Regularly checks medication expiration dates to ensure they are current. Disposes of medications past due.
• Disinfects and maintains sanitization of examination rooms.
• Understands and practices the fundamentals of microbial control.
• Maintains refrigerator logs and sharps containers.
• Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.

Nonclinical

• Provides support to front desk staff by explaining technician related concerns, assisting in triaging scheduled appointments, and responding to patients’ clinical questions.
• Monitors and orders supply for intravitreal injections.
• Assists with tracking and processing patient form requests (i.e. MVA, disability, FMLA).
• 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.
• This position is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Asst (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
• CPR certification also required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE
Starting Salary Range: $19.75 - $35.35 HRLY ($23.22-$34.02 per hour targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Oph Uveitis
Personnel area: School of Medicine