OPHTHAL ELEC & VISUAL TECH (Ophthalmic Technicians)

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County Health's Ophthalmology department seeks an Ophthalmic Technician to support evaluation and treatment of eye patients at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. You will train staff, assist ophthalmologists, handle equipment, and ensure accurate data collection in the EHR.

The role requires COA/COT certification with two years of ophthalmic experience and flexibility to work evenings/weekends. You may travel to CCH sites to provide patient support and ensure high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Current and valid COA or COT certification with proof at time of interview
• Two (2) years of ophthalmic services experience REQUIRED
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends REQUIRED

Responsibilities

• Review charts and collects medical history; determine urgency and initiate care
• Document information into the electronic medical record
• Apply eye drops to anesthetize, dilate or medicate eyes for testing
• Perform eye care testing (tonometry, refractometry, topography, keratometry, pachymetry) to diagnose eye disorders
• Record data results to support need for specialized care
• Provide educational literature and patient care instructions
• Design care plans and implement treatments
• Check calibration of equipment and prepare/sterilize instruments
• Maintain sterile technique and infection control
• Maintain inventory and reorder supplies
• Train staff on equipment handling and compliance
• Maintain HIPAA and patient confidentiality
• Travel to Cook County Health sites for patient support

Skills

COA/COT certification

Ophthalmic services experience

Flexible hours

HIPAA compliance

Education

COA or COT certification with transcript

Job description

LOCATION:

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital

DEPARTMENT:

Ophthalmology

SHIFT:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

PAY RANGE:

$29.858 - $36.125 HOURLY

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

JOB Summary

Under the direction of the Ophthalmologist and associated medical staff of Cook County Health (CCH), the Ophthalmic Technician provides technical guidance and assistance to support the evaluation, treatment, and management of patients receiving eye care. Uses comprehensive knowledge to train staff on how to handle and use equipment accurately. Acts as a liaison between the patient and Ophthalmologist with the ability to identify and respond to emergency situations in a professional manner.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Review charts and collects medical history; determines urgency of condition and initiates appropriate care as necessary
• Document collected information into the electronic medical record
• Applies drops to anesthetize, dilate or medicate eyes to prepare the patient for testing
• Does thorough patient care testing including applanation tonometry, tono-pen tonometry, refractometry, corneal topography, keratometry, and pachymetry to assess eye function and visual acuity to diagnose and treat eye disorders and disease; requires a collection of multiple data sets to allow for proper diagnosis
• Records data results of patient care testing to identify and support the need for specialized care, as deemed appropriate
• Provides educational literature and gives instructions to patients concerning recommendations for eye care
• Designs care plans and implements treatment, as directed
• Checks calibration of equipment and makes adjustments
• Prepares the necessary equipment and supplies for exams and procedures; cleans and sterilizes equipment before and after each use
• Practices standards of sterile technique and infection control
• Maintains inventory of medical and surgical supplies; reorders as necessary to prevent shortages
• Trains staff by providing technical consultation and guidance to ensure handling and operating equipment is accurate and meets compliance standards
• Maintains a high regard for patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
• Attends all mandatory CCH training sessions and department meetings
• Assumes responsibility for the maintenance of any necessary licensure/certification through continuing education, conferences, meetings, seminars, etc.
• Adheres to policies, procedures, quality and safety standards
• Travels to CCH work sites providing patient support
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Current and valid certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) (including documentation from college transcript/diploma to support program completion) (Must provide proof at time of interview)
• Two (2) years of work experience performing ophthalmic services is REQUIRED.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends is REQUIRED.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Ophthalmic Technician is PREFERRED
• Bilingual is PREFERRED.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Comprehensive knowledge of ophthalmic technician skills as outlined by JCAHPO
• Knowledge of standard and surgical ophthalmic equipment and supplies in support of providing surgical assistance
• Knowledge of procedures and regulations specific to the assessment and care of patients
• Knowledge of sterile technique and infection control processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer, phone, and typing skills
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices incorporating the use of electronic health record (EHR)
• Ability to ascertain whether a situation is urgent, emergent or routine
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to train by presenting concepts and demonstrating tasks
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Must be able to travel to work sites throughout Cook County
• This position occasionally requires various types of physical exertion including but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, prolonged standing, operating departmental equipment and/or other devices as well as exerting light to medium force

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls, and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

To Take Advantage Of This Preference a Veteran Must

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference.

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Must Meet Required Qualifications At Time Of Application

• Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Posting

Oct 6, 2026, 10:30:47 AM

Collective Bargaining Unit

SEIU Local 73

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems