Ophthalmic Assistant I

Beth Israel Lahey Health; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Beth Israel Lahey Health is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant I to help prepare patients for evaluation by ophthalmologists or optometrists. The role includes taking health histories, performing preliminary eye-function tests, managing patient flow, and maintaining equipment.

The position supports on-the-job training with the goal of COA certification within 18 months. Qualifications include a High School diploma or GED, 0-1 years of related experience, and familiarity with computer systems and MS

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 0-1 years related work experience required.
• Experience in ophthalmology or COA program preferred.
• Experience with computer systems including web-based applications and MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access).

Responsibilities

• Escort patients to exam rooms and obtain health histories.
• Perform visual acuity tests and measure intraocular pressure.
• Assist with visual fields, OCT, fundus photography and other ocular tests.
• Maintain exam rooms and coordinate supplies and repairs as needed.
• Participate in training with goal to become COA within 18 months.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Written/Oral communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Ophthalmic Assistant program training

Medical Assistant training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

Job Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant I fulfills numerous functions to prepare patients for evaluation by an Ophthalmologist and/or Optometrist. Primary responsibilities include acquiring health histories from patients, performing preliminary eye function testing, managing patient flow, and maintaining equipment. Participates in employer-sponsored training and continuing education with the goal of becoming certified by JCAHPO as a Certified Opthalmic Assistant (COA) within 18 months from date of hire.

Essential Responsibilities

• Escorts patients to and from exam rooms. Takes a complete history focusing on the patient's eye symptoms. Reviews allergies and medications. Performs visual acuity tests and uses tonopen and applanation to measure intraocular pressure.
• Performs visual fields, A/B ultrasonic scans, autorefraction, OCT, fundus photography, lensometry and topography.
• Monitors provider schedules and patient flow. Gathers and coordinates information necessary for patient records.
• Monitors supply rooms and keeps exam rooms stocked and supplied. Cleans and maintains equipment and coordinates repairs as needed.
• Trains on the job for new tasks and ancillary skills as needed. Participates in employer sponsored training and continuing education with the goal of becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) within 18 months from date of hire.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required. Vocational or Technical training in Medical Assistant or other healthcare training preferred.
• 0-1 years related work experience required.
• Experience in an ophthalmology practice or a graduate of an accredited Ophthalmic Assistant program or one year of clinical work experience preferred.
• Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies

• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures and by identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Independence of Action: Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager.
• Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.
• Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.
• Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.
• Team Work: Ability to work collaboratively in small teams to improve the operations of immediate work group by offering ideas, identifying issues, and respecting team members.
• Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Age based Competencies

Employees in this job must be competent to provide patient care to the following age groups: Young adult: 16-30 years, Middle Age: 30 - 60 years, Elderly: 60 -.

Physical Nature Of The Job

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Some elements of the job are sedentary, but the employee will be required to stand for periods of time or move through out the hospital campus.

Pay Range

$28.50 - $38.36

The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled