Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) / Technician

Whitewater Eye Centers LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in eye care is seeking a dedicated individual to assist in patient data collection and support. This role is vital in ensuring accurate diagnoses through comprehensive patient history and testing. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating empathy and strong organizational skills while working closely with patients and medical staff. Join a compassionate team where your contributions will directly impact patient care and satisfaction. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Continuing Education Opportunities

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; experience in a medical office preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and HIPAA compliance is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Perform data collection tasks for patient diagnosis.
• Document patient history and conduct various tests accurately.

Skills

Medical Terminology

EMR Systems Proficiency

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Some College Preferred

Tools

Ophthalmic Equipment

Computer Systems

Job description

About the Position: This individual is responsible for performing an extensive number of data collection functions, as delegated by the physician, to allow for a proper professional diagnosis of patients’ conditions.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, some college preferred.
• Previous experience working in a medical office environment required; ophthalmology office preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, preferably ophthalmic terms.
• Training and understanding of HIPAA requirements and the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology used to document patient exams accurately.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and strong computer skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic personality with concern for patients’ needs.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced medical environment.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Communication and Patient Care

• Acquaints all new patients with office procedures to which they will be exposed.
• Informs patients of the purpose of all tests personally performed and how they will be affected during the tests.
• Obtains patient history to include chief complaint, history of present illness, history (ocular and general), family history (ocular and general), and history of allergies and medications.
• Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks to include:

• Visual acuity
• Manual lensometry
• Confrontational visual fields
• Stereo testing
• Evaluation of motility
• Pupillary function tests
• Color plates
• Applanation tonometry
• Refractometry
• Angle assessment
• Dilation of pupils
• Contact lens evaluations
• Visual field testing
• Optic nerve scanning (i.e., OCT, HRT, GDx)
• Pachymetry
• Corneal topography

Triage

• Escorts all patients from the waiting room for data collection.
• Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required.
• Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions.
• Communicates with the reception staff to facilitate proper patient flow.

Administrative

• Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities.
• Maintains cleanliness in exam and procedure rooms.
• Maintains back up levels of stock in exam and procedure rooms.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Physical Activity of Position:

• Visual Acuity. Average visual acuity is acceptable; must be able to use visually orientated medical equipment, i.e., phoropter, and to read computer screens/monitors to perform physical assessments.
• Auditory Acuity. Average acuity acceptable; must be able to communicate in person and via telephone.
• Hand/Eye Coordination. Must be able to adequately perform the use of ophthalmic equipment, administer eye drops, and handle other simple medical supplies.
• Hand Dexterity. Average acceptable; must perform hand movements in fine manipulation, gross manipulation, simple grasping, firm grasping, and hand twisting.
• Partial Body Mobility. Must be able to maneuver upper body adequately to lift one to 15 lbs. regularly from floor to waist, 1 to 5 lbs. from waist to shoulder, and 1 to 5 lbs. from shoulder to overhead; must be able to push, pull, bend, twist and reach up.

May be exposed to the following hazards:

• Communicable diseases
• Chemicals
• Sharp objects
• Moving parts of equipment

Safety equipment provided includes:

• Gloves
• Glasses
• Face masks and shields
• Sharps containers

Equal Opportunity Employer: Whitewater Eye Centers is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants or employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status, pay, or any other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, or other applicable protected classes.