Ophthalmic Technician

The Johns Hopkins University; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute invites applications for an Ophthalmic Technician to provide clinical support to physicians. The role includes patient history taking, vision measurements, and assisting with procedures.

No experience required, with a robust training program and potential career paths within the Johns Hopkins system. Minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma and CPR certification; COA certification must be obtained within 18 months.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
• CPR certification also required.

Responsibilities

• Record patient history including ocular history and medications.
• Check pupil response to light and measure visual acuity.
• Perform intraocular pressure measurements and visual field testing.
• Assist with in-office procedures and maintain exam room readiness.

Skills

Ophthalmic technician experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Working with faculty, Clinic Manager, and Clinic Supervisor, we are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician whose primary role is to provide technician/clinical support to physicians.

Secondary responsibilities include limited administrative duties such as responding to messages from patients and physicians and assisting with patient requests for refills, form completion and prior authorizations.

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University has an exciting opportunity for exceptional candidates to train for a career as an Ophthalmic Technician, no experience required. Start your career in Ophthalmology with one of the leading organizations in delivering state-of-the art eye care, training future healthcare leaders, and conducting cutting-edge research. We have a robust training program that will provide you with a strong foundation to pursue a multitude of career paths beyond Ophthalmic Technician such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research, to name a few. This is also an opportunity for pre-med students to gain clinical experience during their gap year or prior to applying to medical school, as well. No evening or weekend work required. Follow this link to learn more, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/education/clinical-training/ophthalmic_technician.html

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

• Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, fall risk and family history.
• Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
• Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
• Instills eye drops under physicians’ direction.
• Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
• Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e. Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
• Performs Humphrey visual field testing; refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
• Performs OCT’s
• Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery
• Performs Pentacam measurements
• Performs accurate refractions.
• Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
• Screens for the presence of ocular motility disorders.
• Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
• Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; Potential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
• Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
• Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; participate in other clinical research projects.
• Teach patients how to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
• Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting units as needed in patient with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
• Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometry reading if unobtainable.
• Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
• Takes fundus photos as needed.
• Assist with in office procedures
• Responsible for exam room supply maintenance
• Ensure medication expiration dates are current
• Responsible for maintaining and sterilization of instruments
• Disinfect and maintain examination rooms
• Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control
• Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps containers, etc.
• Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is compliant with regulations.

Nonclinical Duties may include, but are not limited to the following

• Responsible for epic in-basket messages (clinical support pool) and patient questions.
• Process refill requests.
• Prior authorizations for upcoming in office procedures.
• Prior authorizations for medications.
• Provide support to front desk staff by assisting with triaging scheduled appointments, respond to patients’ clinical questions and explain technician related concerns to front desk staff.
• Managing and ordering medications for intravitreal injections.
• Assist with tracking and processing of forms request (i.e. MVA, disability, FLMA).
• Provide input on templates/schedules to maximize patient flow and physician efficiency.
• Maintain general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases, and ocular emergencies.
• Maintain required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.
• This position is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent
• One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Asst (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
• CPR certification also required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a clinical office setting as an ophthalmic technician.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician

Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE

Starting Salary Range: $20.25 - $36.25 HRLY ($23.22-$34.02 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: Columbia Practice Oph

Personnel area: School of Medicine