Hospital Lab Technician

Job Summary

Hospital Lab Technician I at University of California, San Francisco

Under the supervision of the Ambulatory Patient Care Supervisor I, Optometry Supervisor, and the Chief of Ophthalmology of the Department of Ophthalmology at San Francisco General Hospital, the Ophthalmic Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which they are assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day and requires an individual to be flexible and well‑trained.

The primary responsibility of the Ophthalmic Technician is patient care, work‑up, and preliminary testing in preparation for the provider’s examination of the patient.

This is a full‑time position located at Zuckerburg San Francisco General (ZSFG).

• Acts within the scope of practice of an ophthalmic technician and carries out other clinical and administrative functions as directed by the Administration of the Department for any of the assigned Clinical Services (i.e. Optometry, General Ophthalmology, Minor Procedures, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro‑Ophthalmology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Proctor, and Retina/Vitreous).
• Monitors the clinical areas of the practice for patient and staff safety.
• Cleans and maintains the equipment used by the practice.
• Daily stocks supplies and maintains the order of each day’s assigned areas.
• Maintains an orderly and professional appearance in all the clinic areas of the Department.
• Actively pursues and attends continuing educational opportunities to ensure current knowledge in the ever‑evolving role of the ophthalmic technician.
• Stays abreast of changes in the field and seeks new skills and/or training as new, upgraded, or advancements in instrumentation develop.

The Ophthalmic Technician reports directly to the Ambulatory Patient Care Supervisor or the Optometrist Supervisor. This position has no supervisory role.

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science; or two years of college courses in the natural sciences plus two years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience or training in a similar position.
• If not certified as COA, successful completion of JCAHPO Ophthalmic assistant certification within 6 months of hire.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in electronic health records.
• Good understanding of ophthalmic practice and patient care.
• Knowledge of medical instrumentation and its proper care and usage.
• Ability to assess common safety hazards and take precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Efficient and accurate interview of patients and documentation of medical histories (consistently works with 3–4 patients per hour).
• Demonstrated working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms and ocular medications.
• Capable of performing optical and ultrasound biometry, fundus and external photography, HVF, OCT, and corneal topography. Interested applicants who do not currently have experience with these instruments must demonstrate proficiency after proper training.
• Understands and uses proper sterile technique; utilizes proper universal precautions procedures; understands characteristics of pediatric eye conditions and strabismus.
• Communicates well to patients about strabismus, amblyopia, glasses and pediatric surgical procedures and displays consistent professionalism.
• Is energetic, communicates well to patients, and builds positive relationships with supervisors and colleagues.
• Demonstrates flexibility in job assignment, initiative in accomplishing practice goals, maintains certification, and demonstrates reliable attendance and adherence to work schedule.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and physically capable of assisting patients to and from examination rooms; must demonstrate manual dexterity sufficient to operate ophthalmic equipment.

• Bi‑lingual or multi‑lingual capacity (Spanish or Cantonese) strongly preferred.
• Experience with insurance verification, medical record data abstraction, appointment, ancillary service and/or…