Ophthalmic Technician

Westchester Medical Center; Town of Mount Pleasant (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center is seeking an ophthalmic assistant to support ophthalmologists in patient care and testing. Responsibilities include patient intake, education on clinic flow, and performing tests such as VA, visual fields, and IOP.

The role requires foundational ophthalmic skills, willingness to learn OCT, and proficiency with EMR. An on-site position with opportunities for extended scope practice is offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in ophthalmic practice preferred (1 year).
• COT, COMT, or COA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists ophthalmologist with patient care and flow; manages clinic operations.
• Performs lensometry to determine spectacle strength (distance, near/add).
• Conducts diagnostic tests including VA, visual fields, IOP, pachymetry, and color vision.
• Educates patients on tests, procedures, and medications; answers calls and schedules.
• Supports EMR usage and learning OCT and new technologies.
• Maintains clinic/workspace and equipment; performs routine maintenance.

Skills

Patient care

EMR proficiency

Ophthalmic testing knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lensometry

Visual field testing

Intraocular pressure measurement

Slit lamp examination

Retinoscopy

Pachymetry

OCT knowledge (learn)

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for assisting the ophthalmologist with general care for patients, including managing patient flow, administering diagnostic testing, documenting patient information, and performing eye exams.

Responsibilities

• Ensures detailed patient interview containing adequate case history is gained.
• Instructs patients on first visit of clinic flow, tests, procedures and medications.
• Assessment of visual acuity (VA) in pediatric and adult patients. This should be quantitative using tests based on LogMAR (gold standard), Snellen or Snellen equivalent.Other tests may include Allen opto type acuity measurement.
• Answering patient phone calls and coordinating patient scheduling
• General stocking and maintenance of clinic or workspace as well as equipment maintenance and repair
• Lensometry: This is the ability to perform non-automated and automated lensometry to determine the strength of the distance, bifocal, trifocal and near add correction of spectacles
• Visual fields: Ability to perform automated visual fields as well as manual and confrontational
• Measurement of intraocular pressures using multiple techniques, which include applanation tonometry and other contact methods.
• Measurement of corrective glasses
• Measurement of refractive error
• Assessment of color vision
• Performance of basic diagnostic tests such as corneal pachymetry
• Evaluation of pupillary responses
• Advanced skills in an extended Scope of Practice could include slit lamp examinations and retinoscopy
• Must be willing to work with EMR and learn OCT and additional new technologies
• Diagnostic testing of inpatients in the ophthalmology hospital lane as necessary and other reasonable duties as needed to ensure smooth function of the service

Qualifications/Requirements

Experience

: 1 year in ophthalmic practice, required

Education

High school diploma or equivalent, required

Licenses / Certifications

COT, COMT, or COA, preferred