Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OMT)

University of Utah Health; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health seeks a dedicated ophthalmic assistant to support diagnostic testing, patient education, and care coordination in ophthalmology. The role involves history taking, performing visual/diagnostic testing, and assisting with medications and patient instruction.

Candidates will work with ophthalmologists, handle equipment safety, and may assist with laser procedures or training of staff. A patient-focused, collaborative approach is essential to ensure quality patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform essential ophthalmic testing and basic refractometry.
• Strong communication and patient-care skills.
• Ability to follow department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Obtains a medical history used to help the ophthalmologist form a diagnosis.
• Performs essential diagnostic tests (visual acuity, pupil assessment, lensometry, and various vision tests).
• Administrates topical ophthalmic medication.
• Instructs patients regarding testing procedures.
• Educates patients on ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans, including contact lens care.
• Reports equipment malfunctions and safety hazards; maintains inventory of supplies.
• Decides which screening procedures and specialized tests apply based on symptoms.
• Interprets test results for reliability/validity and guides next steps.
• May perform basic manifest refractometry.
• May function as a scribe for the ophthalmologist.
• May assist in training other ophthalmic personnel.
• May assist with laser/ophthalmic procedures in the minor procedure room.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Lifespan development

Data assessment

Job description

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position performs preliminary examinations and evaluations of patients with ocular complaints, diseases, or disorders by initiating and executing technical tests utilized exclusively in ophthalmology. The incumbent provides information to and consults with ophthalmologists who facilitate the diagnosis and eventual treatment of patients. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Obtains a medical history from each patient which is used to formulate a potential diagnosis by the ophthalmologist.
• Performs essential diagnostic tests such as visual acuity, pupil assessment, basic manual lensometry, (single vision, multifocal, and progressive lenses) stereo testing, color vision testing with color plates, visual field testing with the Amsler Grid and by confrontation, EOMs, angle assessment, automated perimeter, Goldmann Applanation and Tonopen tonometry, BAT, PAM, manual keratometry, Schirmer tear test, Atlas topography, Pentacam, Flicker Fusion, and Color Vision D15.
• Administers topical ophthalmic medication.
• Instructs the patient regarding testing procedures.
• Instructs the patient in ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans, provides patient education including instructing patients of ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans and teaching methods of contact lens insertion, removal and care.
• Reports equipment malfunction and safety hazards and ensures an adequate inventory of consumables and supplies for designated work area.
• Makes decisions regarding which screening procedures and specialized tests should be applied to each patient based on symptoms, as reported by the patient.
• Interprets the reliability and validity of test results and seeks additional guidance to ascertain the next appropriate treatment procedure.
• May perform basic manifest refractometry.
• May function as a scribe for the ophthalmologist.
• May assist in providing training to other ophthalmic personnel, as assigned.
• May assist with laser and ophthalmic procedures in the minor procedure room.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job outlined above.
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
• Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development.
• Ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

Qualifications

Licenses Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Preferred

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Previous experience working in an allied health profession position in ophthalmology.
• Desire to work towards and obtain JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects, such as medical equipment, while providing patient care.

Physical Requirements

Non Indicated