Ophthalmic Technician - Ophthalmology

Overview

$5,000 Sign On Bonus for Certified Techs (COA/COT) / $2,5000 Sign on Bonus for Non-Certified Techs for offers accepted by November 30, 2025. Terms and Conditions apply

Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician, the ophthalmic technician performs a range of duties including preparing the patient to see the Attending Physician (preliminary exam, medical history, and testing), preparing examination and treatment rooms, performing basic and routine vision screening examinations, administering eye medications, cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic instruments, and assisting physicians during minor surgical and laser procedures.

• Provide primary ophthalmic care to patients and act as clinical assistant to the physician.
• Verify patient information by interviewing the patient, recording medical history, and confirming purpose of visit.
• Perform complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion), Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, color testing, contact lens evaluation).
• Accurately record all information in the EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95% accuracy.
• Conduct slit lamp examinations, document abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
• Prepare patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils and communicating results to Attending Physician.
• Secure patient information and maintain confidentiality by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and protecting patient information.
• Counsel patients by transmitting physician's orders, instructions for eye drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imaging as required/ordered.
• Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and reporting equipment issues promptly.
• Handle patient phone calls, MyChart messages, and prescription refill requests; set a standard number of patient work-ups based on established times while maintaining quality customer service.
• Open and close examination rooms ensuring equipment is cleaned and stocked properly; maintain stock in exam and treatment rooms and prepare instruments for sterilization or High-Level Disinfection (HLD); set up for minor OR procedures including sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following department policies and procedures and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS; follow attendance and dress code policies.
• Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed.

• Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: N/A
• Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Successfully complete the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Medical Assisting Course within 12 months; obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) within 24 months of hire date.
• Experience REQUIRED:
  Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
• Experience PREFERRED:
  Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing;
  Certified Medical Assistant (CMA); previous experience in an academic health care environment.
• Education/training REQUIRED:
  High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Education/training PREFERRED:
  Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by JCAHPO, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
• Independent action
  :
  Independently performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty testing, maintains equipment, and coordinates patient flow.
• Additional position requirements
  :
  Other duties as assigned; must be willing to work at all office locations.
• Age Specific groups served
  :
  All
• Physical Requirements
  :
  Lifting 20-50 lbs;
  Prolonged standing, walking;
  Mental/Sensory abilities including recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, reading, logical thinking;
  Emotion: fast-paced environment, ability to handle multiple priorities, frequent and intense customer interactions, adaptability to frequent change.

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