Ophthalmic Technician - Ophthalmology - Part-Time

Ophthalmic Technician – Ophthalmology – Part Time – Days

Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician, the ophthalmic technician prepares patients for examination, assists during minor surgical and laser procedures, and maintains ophthalmic instruments. The role requires performing routine vision screening, administering eye medications, and providing clinical support to physicians.

• Provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and serves as a clinical assistant to the physician.
• Verifies patient information by interviewing patients, recording medical history, and confirming the purpose of visit.
• Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, including sub‑specialty tests (refraction, visual field test, A‑scan biometry, pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation).
• Accurately records all information in the EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards; achieves 95% accuracy.
• Conducts slit lamp examinations, visual field confrontation, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry; documents abnormalities.
• Dilates pupils and prepares patients for ophthalmology examination; communicates findings to the attending physician.
• Confidentially maintains patient information, completes diagnostic ordering, and safeguards medical records.
• Counsels patients on physician orders, eye drops, contact lenses, medications, and answers questions regarding surgery and specialty imaging.
• Maintains equipment operation: follows instructions, troubleshoots breakdowns, performs preventive maintenance, and reports issues promptly.
• Handles patient phone calls, MyChart messages, and prescription refill requests.
• Performs a standard number of patient work‑ups within established time frames while maintaining high customer‑service quality.
• Opens and closes examination rooms, ensuring equipment is cleaned and stocked properly.
• Maintains inventory of exam‑room stocks and prepares instruments for sterilization or high‑level disinfection.
• Sets up and prepares for minor OR procedures, including sterile tray assembly and field maintenance.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following department policies, complying with VCUHS regulations, and meeting JCAHPO standards.
• Adheres to attendance and dress‑code policies.
• Willing to work at alternative VCUHS ophthalmology locations as required.

• For hire:
  None.
• Continued employment:
  Completion of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Course within 12 months; certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel within 24 months of hire.

• Required:
  
  Minimum one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
• Preferred:
  Minimum two (2) years of experience;
  Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) preferred; prior experience in an academic health‑care environment.

• Required:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred:
  Successful completion of an Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Certified Medical Assistant, or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

• Independently performs comprehensive ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub‑specialty testing, equipment maintenance, and patient flow coordination.

• Other duties as assigned.
• Willing to work at all office locations.

Age group served:
All.

• Lifts 20–50 lbs.
• Prolonged standing and walking over distance.
• Strong recall, reasoning, problem‑solving, hearing; speaks clearly; writes legibly; reads and applies logical thinking.
• Handles fast‑pace environment, multiple priorities, frequent and intense customer interactions, and adapts to frequent change.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran 41 CFR 60‑1.4.