Ophthalmic Assistant

Maine Eye Center PA; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 26,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Eye Center seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant/Contact Lens Technician to support screening, testing, and patient care. You will gather histories, perform visual tests, and assist with contact lens needs in a fast-paced clinic.

Responsibilities include charting in EMR, assisting with procedures, and training other staff while maintaining HIPAA confidentiality and high quality patient service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced medical setting with accuracy.
• HIPAA compliance knowledge and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial screening and basic eye tests, including visual acuity, pupil assessment, and tonometry.
• Assist with in-office procedures, informed consent, and room setup/cleanup.
• Document results for electronic medical records and communicate with physicians.
• Provide training to staff and help with cross-coverage for ophthalmic services.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

HIPAA compliance

Time management

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR software

Job description

About Maine Eye Center:Maine Eye Center’s vision is to be the preferred regional ophthalmology practice for comprehensive medical and surgical eye care. Our mission is to consistently provide high quality eye care and outcomes through excellent service, exceptional doctors, staff, and state of the art technology.Maine Eye Center Core Values include: Teamwork, Quality Patient Care, Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity.Description of Responsibilities:Under the direction of the Director of Clinic and Director of Operations, the Ophthalmic Assistant and Contact Lens Technician multifaced role will split their working time between performing the duties of an Ophthalmic Assistant or Contact Lens Technician.The Director of Clinic will be the primary supervisor of this multifaced role with the Director of Operations overseeing this role while working within the Contact Lens Technician position.Responsibilities of an Ophthalmic Assistant include but are not limited to:Performing initial screening by taking patient history, measuring visual acuity, pupil assessment, gross external exam, basic manual lensometry (single vision, multifocal, and progressive lenses), stereo testing, color vision testing with color plates, visual field testing by confrontation, motility (EOM), angle assessment, Goldmann Applanation and Tonopen tonometry, BAT, manifest refraction etc.Maintaining knowledge of medical terminology anatomy and physiology of the eyeMaintaining knowledge of ocular pharmacology; administering of topical ophthalmic medication or oral medications under the direction of the PhysicianPerforming diagnostics such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), Topography, IOL Master, Humphrey Visual Field (HVF), etc.Gathering accurate documentation for Electronic Medical RecordsAssisting with in-office procedures ensuring proper informed consent is obtained, setting up and cleaning up rooms from proceduresAssisting with patient educationInstructing the patient regarding testing procedures using clear and concise languageMaintaining cleanliness and keeping equipment in order within the exam roomsAssist in providing training to other ophthalmic personnel, as needed and as assignedFunctioning as a scribe for the ophthalmologist as neededAssisting with laser and ophthalmic procedures in the minor procedure room as neededProviding cross coverage of technical assistance to all specialties and providers at Maine Eye as neededProvides cross coverage of administrative assistance to all specialties and providers at Maine Eye as neededOther duties as assigned by supervisorResponsibilities of a Contact Lens Technician include but are not limited to:Interpreting optical prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.Knowledge of optics and optical science including contact lenses brands and typesScheduling and preforming Insertion and Removal trainingOrdering of Contacts as specified by providerInsurance verification for specialty contacts lensesInforming patients of cost and collecting payment when applicableAbility to establish, and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees and the public.Ability to gather medical information and be able to exercise judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills when necessary.Professional communication with internal and external contacts and patients.Attention to detail and accuracy in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment is essential.Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling and punctuation to type patient information and messages for the physicians and staff.Receive and process patient requests for contact lens products.Order patient requests via phone, e-mail, fax or website.Receive, verify and process incoming orders.Prepare fee slips including patient/insurance billing.Process refunds, returns, and exchanges.Enter patient charges and payments into practice management software.Respond to customer questions and concerns.Respond to Rx verification requests.Communicate with vendor reps and contact lens companies.Record contact lens activities in patient charts.Order contact lens supplies.Act as liaison between OD’s and suppliers.Perform other tasks as required.Medical Contact Lens Point Person ResponsibilitiesTraining other Ophthalmic Assistants in Medical Contact Lenses (scleral and hard)Maintaining ordersCommunications and documentationOrdering suppliesMaintaining and rotating stock of contact lens supplyPoint of contact for medical contact lens vendorsRequirements:Ability to speak clearly and concisely.Exceptional customer service skills.Ability to establish, and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees and the public.Ability to exercise judgment, initiative, and possess problem-solving skills.Professional communication with internal and external contacts and patients.Attention to detail and accuracy in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment is essential.Knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.Demonstrate respect for staff and patients and experience maintaining confidentiality.Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong attention to detailHigh level of proficiency with technology required. Demonstrate proficiency with updating electronic medical records.Experience Requirements:NoneEducational Requirements:High school diploma or equivalent is required.Required Licenses / Certifications:NonePay Range:$19.18 - $28.65Typical Physical Demands:Requires normal range of vision and hearing for patient contact. Work may require standing for long periods of time; also stooping, bending, reaching and lifting. The ability to move patients on stretchers and wheelchairs who may weigh 300+ pounds. Requires manual dexterity to operate variety of medical equipment. Must be able to move physically from floor to floor. Occasionally lifting over 20 poundsPsychological Demands (in a usual workday):Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills in order to handle multiple and sometimes conflicting tasks. Must be able to work with minimal supervision regarding time management and have the ability to consistently make sound, ethical decisions in emergency situations. Demonstrated ability to make accurate assessments while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the organization.HEALTH AND SAFETYKnow and follow all safety rules and proceduresFollow proper Workplace ErgonomicsReport any unsafe act or workplace conditionsCONFIDENTIALITYEnsure HIPAA complianceThis is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the organization reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances dictate (such as emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).Employment with Maine Eye Center contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include verification of employment history, education, criminal record, and other factors, as required by law and company policy. Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates from employment; each case will be reviewed individually in accordance with job-related criteria and legal requirements.