Ophthalmic Technician

Columbia Eye Clinic; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Eye Clinic is seeking an Ophthalmic Technician in Columbia, South Carolina. This position is responsible for managing patient flow, conducting evaluations, and performing pre-exam testing. You will assist physicians, educate patients, and ensure compliance with HIPAA guidelines.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to patient care. Prior experience and certification as COA/COT preferred. This is a full-time role with a Monday to Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a similar role is preferred.
• Certification for Ophthalmic Assistant (COA/COT) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for initiating patient evaluations and documenting findings.
• Perform various pre-exam testing procedures.
• Assist with surgical procedures and educate patients.

Skills

Customer and patient service orientation

Excellent communication skills

Strong organization skills

Dependability

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

High School Diploma or GED

COA/COT certification preferred

Tools

EHR software

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

The Ophthalmic Technician is responsible for patient flow and patient workup for all physicians.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Makes introductions and establishes rapport with patients. Initiates patient evaluations, documenting chief complaints, history of present illnesses, reviews of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines.
• Performs pre-exam testing to include visual acuity assessments, including pinhole and glare testing, assesses extraocular muscles, pupillary evaluation, tonometry, assess angles, pupillary dilation, and all other patient services as requested by the physician.
• Performs lensometry and specialized testing.
• Performs refractometry. Assists with minor surgical procedures or laser treatments.
• Completes requests for prescription refills as authorized by physicians, with full documentation in patient charts.
• Educates patients regarding administration of medications and pre- and post-operative instructions as directed by physicians.
• Cleans surgical instruments in preparation for sterile processing. Inspects instruments periodically for damage and request replacements, as necessary.
• Opens and closes exam lanes daily, ensuring that equipment is wiped down in an appropriate manner, battery powered instruments are seated properly in re‑charge wells, slit lamps and projectors are switched off under covers.
• Cleans stock room on a daily basis.
• Must comply with all HIPPA and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. To meet the business needs of the company duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED
• COA/COT certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Competencies include excellent judgment, dependability, and diligence.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Customer and patient service orientation: prompt response to patient needs and ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations with tact, empathy and diplomacy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in group situations; offers assistance and support to coworkers, actively resolves conflicts, inspires trust of others, and treats patients and coworkers with respect.
• Intermediate skills in Outlook.
• Intermediate skills EHR software.
• Excellent communication and professional leadership skills.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment.
• Flexible and able to multi‑task; can work within an ambiguous, fast‑moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Full‑time position with a work schedule of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
• Position operates in a professional office environment requiring minimal physical activity.
• Building meets required ADA standards and we will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Physical demands include but are not limited to:
• The ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone to talk and hear.
• The ability to frequently sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for operating complicated equipment
• Must be able to utilize office equipment such as desktop/laptop computers, copiers, printers, scanners, telephones, and calculators.