Under the direct supervision of the Ophthalmic Technical Supervisor, and through collaborative teamwork, provides assistance in the diagnosis and care of ophthalmic patients.

Major Duties / Critical Tasks:

• Demonstrates competence, caring and compassion when performing technical and supportive patient care skills, incorporating the patient’s plan of care and following approved policy and procedure.
  • Provides explanation when obtaining vital signs or other technical skills.
  • Uses aseptic technique and infection control measures in the performance of duties
  • Prepares and assists patients undergoing treatment, examinations and procedures
  • Recognizes patient care priorities, treatment plan, objectives and potential crisis
  • Recognizes and communicates patient needs and unusual occurrences with patients/families
• Accurately documents and communicates interventions and measurements.
  • Communicates relevant information to appropriate health care provider
  • Under supervision, completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on patient hospital record
• Initiates patient work-ups in the ophthalmology clinics in a timely manner.
  • These work-ups may include any of the following:
    • visual acuities
    • pin-hole acuities
    • derive past medical and ocular history
    • confrontational visual field
    • Amsler Grid Testing
    • pupil evaluation
    • automated and manual lensometry
    • automated perimetry
    • Recognize extra ocular muscle imbalance
    • stereopsis testing
    • Schirmer’s tear test
    • Estimation of anterior chamber depth
    • Goldmann tonometry
    • Tono-Pen tonometry
    • color vision testing (Ishihara)
    • refractometry (plus cylinder utilizing both the phoropter and trial frames)
    • use of distometer
    • patient education
• Performs A Scan ultrasound Biometry
• Performs computer entry and analysis of intraocular lens calculations and distributes results according to policy
• Performs keratometry, photokeratometry and corneal topography
• Will assist with minor OR and laser procedures. This includes instrument set-up, a working knowledge of sterile technique, instrument cleaning and sterilization
• Have knowledge of procedures in clinic that would require labs, specimen collection, lab pick-up preparation and schedule*
• Exercise proficiency in minor equipment maintenance
• Log and organize equipment repairs for contracted maintenance
• Performs visometry and BAT (Brightness Acuity Test)
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the supervisor or practice manager
• Assists in the maintenance of equipment, supplies and the environment.
  • Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and therapeutic environment
  • Checks equipment/supplies for expiration dates, electrical safety tags, intactness and usability
  • Cleans equipment and returns to its proper place
  • Reports equipment and supplies needing replaced or repaired
  • Stocks rooms, carts, cabinets, etc. as assigned/requested
• Respects and supports patient rights.
  • Serves as patient/family advocate
  • Demonstrates character and trustworthiness by practicing principles of patient and employee confidentiality
  • Utilizes available resources and seeks assistance in dealing with ethical dilemmas, as appropriate
• Practices positive customer and peer relations.
  • Consistently communicates in a professional and courteous manner
  • Reports and seeks assistance in dealing with guest complaints/concerns
  • Establishes and maintains a positive rapport with patient/family and coworkers
  • Consistently responds to customer requests/needs in an appropriate manner
  • Consistently displays a positive image through professional behavior, understanding that we represent UTMB during every contact
• Participates in and supports continuous quality improvement activities and the clinic/departmental level.
  • Embraces change by promoting team work and continuous process improvement
  • Utilizes and values patients, internal (performance evaluation) and external (patient satisfaction data) feedback to continuously improve performance
• Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment.
  • Prioritizes and completes all work in an effective and efficient manner
  • Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness and flexibility
  • Effectively and efficiently uses time, equipment and supplies
• Functions as an interdependent and supportive team member by fostering constructive relationships with coworkers, managers and others.
  • Provides support and assistance, as appropriate
  • With direction, remains calm and purposeful and responds in an appropriate, professional manner in emergent of chaotic situations
  • Participates in clinic meetings/activities and supports the clinical, departmental and organizational philosophy and goals
  • Values differences by listening to and appreciate other points of view
  • Helps team members to serve our patients
• Accepts responsibility for own growth/development.
  • Participates in in-services and ongoing education programs
  • Remains current on all in-service/education/certification requirements for position, as appropriate
  • Exchanges constructive feedback with peers and others
  • Demonstrates initiative in developing and implementing personal action plan for performance improvement
  • Conduct self-evaluation and participates in developmental goal setting
• Adheres to internal controls established for department.
• Performs related duties as required.

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Current JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification
• CPR Certification
• Continuing medical education to maintain current JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification or achieve a higher level of certification

Standard ophthalmic evaluation equipment.

Working Environment:

Standard clinic environment.

Other: