Ophthalmic Tech In Training

Summary:

Technician-in-Training is the first rung of the career ladder to becoming a proficient ophthalmic technician. This role is reserved for individuals with little to no experience but have a genuine desire and aptitude to become a technician. Clinical Services Managers are responsible for assessing and determining a candidate’s entry into the training program, based on established criteria.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and will be trained and take guidance from the manager and other members of the work group as assigned by the Clinical Services Manager.

Essential Functions:

The below competencies are intended for developing a baseline of required skills. Additional requirements may vary between locations, depending on physician preferences and equipment used.

• Scribing
• Knowledge of instruments and equipment
• Functional ocular measurements of the eye and surrounding tissue
• Patient services and education
• History taking
• Performing diagnostic tests
• Anatomy and physiology of the eye
• Demonstrate team values through cooperation and consideration of coworkers; foster goodwill among coworkers by providing assistance when needed and sharing information that helps others do their jobs; interact with tact, courtesy and diplomacy.
• Effectively communicate with patients, coworkers and doctors; share information appropriately and complete the communication circle with follow-up as needed; communicate in a positive, upbeat manner while refraining from complaining, gossiping, or engaging in conversations of a negative tone.
• Conducting ancillary testing, e.g. refractometry, applanation, etc.
• Ophthalmic terminology
• Testing of ocular functions, including visual acuity and visual fields
• Ophthalmic pharmaceutical knowledge
• Preparing patient for exam
• Types of exams and what is required for each exam
• Will be trained in, and perform, the duties of an ophthalmic technician. Training needs will be assessed and determined by Clinical Services Manager. The Manager will follow an established training program and is responsible for customizing areas of focus based on the trainee’s existing knowledge, skills, experience and abilities. Areas of training may include, but are not limited to:
  • Anatomy and physiology of the eye
  • Functional ocular measurements of the eye and surrounding tissue
  • Patient services and education
  • Ophthalmic terminology
  • Ophthalmic pharmaceutical knowledge
  • Scribing
  • History taking
  • Preparing patient for exam
  • Types of exams and what is required for each exam
  • Conducting ancillary testing, e.g. refractometry, applanation, etc.
  • Performing diagnostic tests
  • Testing of ocular functions, including visual acuity and visual fields
  • Knowledge of instruments and equipment
  • Maintenance and repair of equipment
• Maintenance and repair of equipment

• Perform work in compliance with company policy, department procedures and regulatory requirements, including HIPPA and OSHA.

Secondary Functions:

• Other duties which may be necessary or desirable to serve the patient and support the success of the department or the company overall.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Majority of work is performed in a general medical office environment. Exposure to moderate levels of noise in a well-lit, well-ventilated and moderately paced environment; some work is performed in dimmed lighting.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; lift, push, pull and/or carry objects up to 20 pounds.
• This position requires manual/finger dexterity as necessary to perform daily job duties.
• Occasionally required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.

Reasonable Accommodations:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience; Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations (Minimum Requirements):

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• An equivalent combination of experience, training and certification that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties.
• Desire and demonstrated potential to be successful as an ophthalmic technician and assessed and determined by Clinical Services Manager

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to type a minimum of 60 wpm.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Experience as an optometric assistant, medical assistant or medical scribe would be beneficial but not required.
• Solid computer skills; experience in use of Electronic Medical Records systems is preferred; experience with NextGen preferred.
• Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to resolve issues and problems.
• Ability to work cooperatively and interact is a professional and respectful manner with physicians, staff, vendors and patients at all times.
• Ability to assist all patients with dignity and respect.
• Must possess strong math skills with ability to calculate geometry and algebra equations.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, and a willingness to rotate to various worksites as needed.