Ophthalmic Technician

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara seeks an ophthalmic assistant to perform routine and complex photographic techniques and various diagnostic tasks in patient care across SCVH facilities. The role supports SCVMC, O’Connor, SLRH, and Regional Medical Center operations, with duties spanning imaging, testing, and patient screenings.

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of ophthalmic equipment, terminology, and asepsis, and be able to work at multiple sites as needed within the county healthcare system.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic ophthalmic assistant practices and instruments.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology and clinical procedures.
• Ability to perform routine and complex ophthalmic tests and patient care.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques and calibration of equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and spoken).
• Understanding of patient observation and emergency reporting.
• Competence in using ophthalmic diagnostic devices.

Responsibilities

• Performs external, intraocular, and fluorescein angiographic photography.
• Processes angiography film for physician evaluation and treatment.
• Sorts, labels, and mounts photographs.
• Maintains files of visual fields and diagnostic ultrasound materials.
• Performs diagnostic visual field testing.
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound (B-scan).
• Maintains files of diagnostic ultrasound materials for evaluation.
• Performs measurements for intraocular lens implants (A-scan).
• Performs keratometry and provides refractive information to physicians.
• Assists in routine patient handling with visual acuities, history, tonometry, and screening techniques.
• Evaluates therapeutic contact lens fitting and assists in follow-up.
• Maintains diagnostic equipment by cleaning, inspecting, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Ophthalmic testing

Patient care

Ophthalmic equipment

Medical terminology

Asepsis principles

Clinical measurements

English communication

Tools

Ophthalmic lasers

Ultrasound equipment

Tonometers

Retinoscopes

Ophthalmoscopes

Job description

Under clinical direction, to perform routine and complex photographic techniques, and various diagnostic and clinical tasks in the care and treatment of patients.

Final Filing Date: The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after issue date.

The Power of WE: Together, we can make a greater impact. Bringing better care and expanding healthcare services across the community.

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is the second largest public health care system in California and includes four acute care hospitals, 14 clinics and 60+ specialty and sub-specialty services. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County.

Because we serve patients throughout multiple hospitals and clinics, you may have to work at different sites. We will meet any obligations we may have when this occurs.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center - SCVMC is a full-service tertiary acute care teaching hospital with 699 licensed beds providing a wide range of specialized services, including Rehabilitation, Burn, Trauma, and NICU. SCVMC was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #6 Rehabilitation Hospital in the nation and #1 in the West and designated as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care, Heart Failure, Stroke, Hip Fracture, and Pneumonia.

O'Connor Hospital - O'Connor Hospital (OCH) is a 358 licensed bed acute care facility offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty programs to residents of Santa Clara County. It was founded in 1889 as one of the first hospitals in the county. OCH has grown significantly over the past five years in both its inpatient volume and its Emergency Department visits. Along with these volume increases other ancillary and clinical departments like imaging, lab, pharmacy, and respiratory have seen growth as well.

St. Louise Regional Hospital - Since 1989, St. Louise Regional Hospital (SLRH) has been caring for the residents in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient medical specialties. SLRH has 93 beds, is a Designated Primary Stroke Center, and is the only acute care hospital in the area. Located in Gilroy, SLRH maintains a CALSTAR 2 emergency helicopter base on the premises.

Regional Medical Center – Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a 265-bed hospital that is the main emergency healthcare provider for East San José, treating a wide range of critical and life-threatening conditions for more than 60 years. Since the SCVH integration of RMC effective 4/1/25, RMC has expanded the critical services including Level II trauma, Thrombectomy capable Stroke Center and STEMI care, and has been seeing an increased number of emergency visits and inpatient volume.

• Performs external, intraocular, and fluorescein angiographic photography;
  
• Processes angiography film for physician's evaluation and treatment prescription;
  
• Sorts, labels, and mounts photographs;
  
• Maintains files of visual fields and diagnostic ultrasound materials for diagnostic evaluation;
  
• Performs diagnostic visual field testing;
  
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound (B-scan);
  
• Maintains files of diagnostic ultrasound materials for evaluation;
  
• Performs measurements and calculations for intraocular lens implants (A-scan) prior to cataract extractions;
  
• Performs keratometry and provides refractive information on post surgical patients to physicians;
  
• Assists in routine patient handling with performance and recording of visual acuities, patient history, tonometry measurements, and general screening techniques;
  
• Evaluates therapeutic contact lens fitting and assists physicians in follow-up of patients;
  
• Maintains diagnostic equipment by cleaning, inspecting, and troubleshooting more complex problems;
  
• Maintains supply of materials needed for various diagnostic procedures;
  
• Obtains medical records for chart checks;
  
• Observes and reports any unusual complaint or condition of patients;
  
• Assists in scheduling patient appointments;
  
• Performs related work as required.

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of:

• Basic ophthalmic assistant practices;
  
• Use, application and maintenance of various ophthalmic patient care equipment and supplies such as ophthalmic lasers, ultrasound, tonometers, retinoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, etc.;
  
• Medical and ophthalmic terminology;
  
• Principles of asepsis;
  
• Patient observation skills including urgent and emergency condition reporting;
  
• Operation, maintenance and simple calibration of specialized equipment;
  
• Methods of measuring and recording acuity;
  
• Color vision testing methods;
  
• Basic tonometry;
  
• Ophthalmic anatomy and basic pathophysiologic principles.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of routine and complex ophthalmic and patient care tests and services;
  
• Gather and record patient ocular and physical history;
  
• Perform a variety of diagnostic and measurement techniques (A-Scan, B-Scan, ultrasound, etc.);
  
• Perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on clinic equipment;
  
• Understand and follow written and oral English instructions;
  
• Provide direct ophthalmic patient care;
  
• Use English, communicate effectively both verbally and in written form;
  
• Organize priorities and follow through with assignments in a timely manner;
  
• Maintain positive relationships with patients and co-workers.