Ophthalmic Tech Trainee - SMH

001 University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester's Ophthalmology Eye Clinic is seeking a trainee to learn essential eye care skills under the supervision of experienced professionals. You will shadow certified technicians, perform preliminary diagnostic tests, and assist with patient preparation and care.

Responsibilities include EMR documentation, imaging support (OCT, visual field testing), sterilization, patient education, and routine clinical-clerical duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous healthcare or clinical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works under the supervision of experienced ophthalmic professionals to learn the essential skills and techniques used to diagnose and treat eye conditions.
• Under the guidance and supervision of a certified technician, the trainee will shadow and learn.
• Learns to perform preliminary diagnostic tests, including visual acuity testing, tonometry, and refraction.
• Assists in preparing patients for eye exams by conducting preliminary tests (e.g., visual acuity, tonometry, pupil dilation, neutralize glasses, automated refractions, pupillary exams, confrontational fields, ocular motility, intraocular pressure).
• Records patient medical histories, symptoms, and test results accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Observes and assists in conducting imaging tests such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and visual field testing.
• Under the guidance and supervision of a certified technician, handles and maintains ophthalmic equipment and instruments properly.
• Educates patients about procedures, instructions for eye care, and follow-up appointments.
• Sterilizes and cleans equipment and exam rooms according to established procedures.
• Maintains accurate patient records and ensures proper documentation of services.
• Adheres to infection control and safety protocols.
• Attends training sessions and workshops to improve skills and knowledge in ophthalmology.
• Performs clinical-clerical office duties, including scheduling, completing request forms, printing results, ordering contact lenses, and related administrative activities.
• Stocks rooms according to practice needs
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

About the University

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Details

Job Location (Full Address): 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Time as Reported / Per Diem Scheduled Weekly Hours: As Scheduled Department: 500309 Ophthalmology Eye Clinic Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URCB 203 H

Compensation Range: $18.52 - $25.00 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

Works under the supervision of experienced ophthalmic professionals to learn the essential skills and techniques used to diagnose and treat eye conditions.

Essential Functions

• Under the guidance and supervision of a certified technician, the trainee will shadow and learn.
• Learns to perform preliminary diagnostic tests, including visual acuity testing, tonometry, and refraction.
• Assists in preparing patients for eye exams by conducting preliminary tests (e.g., visual acuity, tonometry, pupil dilation, neutralize glasses, automated refractions, pupillary exams, confrontational fields, ocular motility, intraocular pressure).
• Records patient medical histories, symptoms, and test results accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Observes and assists in conducting imaging tests such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and visual field testing.
• Under the guidance and supervision of a certified technician, handles and maintains ophthalmic equipment and instruments properly.
• Educates patients about procedures, instructions for eye care, and follow-up appointments.
• Sterilizes and cleans equipment and exam rooms according to established procedures.
• Maintains accurate patient records and ensures proper documentation of services.
• Adheres to infection control and safety protocols.
• Attends training sessions and workshops to improve skills and knowledge in ophthalmology.
• Performs clinical-clerical office duties, including scheduling, completing request forms, printing results, ordering contact lenses, and related administrative activities.
• Stocks rooms according to practice needs
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous healthcare or clinical experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interest in the field of ophthalmology and eye care preferred.
• Ability to learn new concepts and technologies preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills preferred.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy preferred.

Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Mottos

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Location & Community

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

Commitment to Ever Better

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.