Lead Opthalmic Assistant

US Oncology Inc.; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Retina Group of Washington in Alexandria, VA is seeking a Lead Ophthalmic Assistant to oversee day-to-day team operations and ensure high-quality patient care onsite. The role includes supervising staff, coordinating clinical activities, and acting as primary liaison between the physician and the team.

The position requires extensive ophthalmic testing experience, leadership on the floor, and commitment to accurate documentation and patient education.

Qualifications

• Education: GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 8+ years ophthalmic assistant experience, 2+ years leading on the floor.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic testing and diagnostic procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the activities of the team, ensuring efficient completion of tasks.
• Assist physician in complex procedures and advanced diagnostic testing.
• Review patient charts for completeness and accuracy.
• Record ocular and systemic history and visual acuity.
• Perform tests required by type of exam scheduled (OCT, visual fields, photography).
• Serve as primary liaison between physician and team; manage EMS charts and data entry.

Skills

Leadership

Ophthalmic exam protocol

Clinical coordination

Documentation

Patient education

Communication

Education

GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

EMR systems

OCT

Slit lamp

Job description

This onsite, non-exempt role is located at Retina Group of Washington, Alexandria, VA location, which is part of Prism Vision Group. There will be occasional travel to other locations based upon business needs.

Compensation Range: $21.68-$45.09/hr (Dependent on Experience)

The Lead Ophthalmic Assistant is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. This role involves coordinating clinical activities, supervising staff, and serving as the primary liaison between the physician and the team. The Lead Ophthalmic Assistant plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and upholding clinical standards.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate the activities of the team, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.


• Assist the physician in complex procedures and advanced diagnostic testing, taking on the most challenging cases.


• Reviews patient charts to ensure completeness and accuracy of information.


• Takes an ocular and systemic history and accurately records visual acuity.


• Performs testing required by type of exam scheduled, patient complaint and history, including but not limited to OCT, automated visual fields, photography, pachymetry, biometry.


• Performs lensometry, automated refractometry, slit lamp exam including applanation tonometry and anterior chamber angle assessment, basic muscle balance testing, assesses pupils, confrontation visual fields and gross external exam.


• Serve as the primary point of contact for the team, addressing any issues or concerns that arise.


• Acts as scribe while the physician examines patients, entering data into electronic medical records or handwritten in paper charts.


• Administers topical ophthalmic or oral medications.


• Ensures proper office procedures are adhered to and required informed consent is obtained.


• Responsible for patient education.


• Oversees patient flow throughout the day.


• Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of exam rooms during the workday.


• Collaborate with the clinic manager and physicians to identify areas for improvement and implement changes.


• Complies with all practice procedures and protocols. Complies with all State and Federal regulations. Understands and accepts responsibility to report potential or suspected errors to supervisor or Compliance Officer.


• Maintains a positive attitude consisting of cooperation, self-motivation, courtesy, and professionalism

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) required. Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline is preferred or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of education.

Experience: 8+ years of prior ophthalmic assistant experience, 2+ years of leading on the floor.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions and work performed. Willing to accept constructive feedback.


• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly with attention to all details of a project or task.


• Adaptability – Ability to adapt to and facilitate change in the workplace.


• Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with others using good listening skills.


• Empathetic – Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of patients and co-workers.


• Initiative – Ability to make decisions and take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal. Desire to excel, attempting non-routine tasks.


• Judgment – Ability to make sound decisions using available information.


• Reliability – Can be relied upon to demonstrate reliability in attendance and punctuality.


• Team Player – The ability to work with others and independently for a common goal. Puts aside own individual needs to work toward the larger group objective and reinforces the contribution of others.


• Relevant computer skills – Able to navigate between screens and accurately enter data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

An office environment with a controlled atmosphere. Possible exposure to staff or patients with communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens.

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception), normal range of hearing, ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gloves, face mask, eye shield, gown), standing for long periods of time