Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OMT)

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant to support ophthalmology clinics. The role performs preliminary exams, administers medications within scope, and educates patients while coordinating with ophthalmologists to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

The position involves lifting up to moderate weights, access to ophthalmic equipment, and a day shift (M-F). The environment emphasizes compassionate patient care, teamwork, and adherence to safety and quality

Qualifications

• Experience in ophthalmic testing and patient instruction.
• Licensure via RQI eCredential within 30 days of hire.
• Pursue additional JCAHPO certification if desired.

Responsibilities

• Obtain medical history to support diagnosis.
• Perform visual acuity, color vision and other ophthalmic tests.
• Administer topical ophthalmic medications.
• Instruct patients on testing procedures and care.
• Maintain equipment and supplies; report malfunctions.
• May serve as scribe for ophthalmologists.

Skills

Medical history taking

Diagnostic testing

Patient education

Effective communication

Tools

Amsler Grid

Tonopen tonometry

Atlas topography

Pentacam

Keratometry

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

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.

Qualifications (Preferred)

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

Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking

Multi-lingual Candidates Welcomed

EEO Statement

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patient populations.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affiliated Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu/

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

Requisition Number: 86718

Reg/Temp: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Shift: Day

Work Schedule: M-F

Clinical/Non-Clinical Status: Clinical

Location Name: Redwood Health Center

Workplace Set Up: On-site

City: SALT LAKE CITY

State: UT

Department: UCC OPC 80R RWHC OPHTHAL

Category: Ophthalmology

Workplace Set Up: On-site