Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 23,694 - 41,741; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training program

Health benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Baltimore is seeking an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant to assist with patient care and perform various ophthalmic tests. The role offers comprehensive training for those without prior experience, making it ideal for pre-medical students and others interested in healthcare careers. The salary range is $17.20 - $30.30 hourly and includes a Monday to Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• Must complete required JHMI courses, such as HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to apply ocular dressings and operate ophthalmic equipment.
• Experience in patient handling and basic tonometry.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Ophthalmologist with patient care.
• Conduct required ophthalmic testing.
• Maintain and disinfect ophthalmic equipment.

Skills

Patient care assistance

Basic ophthalmic tests

Ocular anatomy knowledge

CPR certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Job description

Ophthalmic Technician Assistant

With close supervision and instruction, we are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant who will learn to assist the Ophthalmologist with patient care by performing ophthalmic testing as outlined below.

Training & Opportunities

The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive training program for candidates with no prior experience. The program prepares you for diverse career paths such as Clinic Manager, Ophthalmic Clinic Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Orthoptist, Optometrist, Marketing, IT, and Research. It also serves as an excellent opportunity for pre‑medical students to gain clinical experience during a gap year or before applying to medical school. No evening or weekend work is required.

For more information, visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/education/clinical-training/ophthalmic_technician.html

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Obtain and concisely record an accurate patient history

• Chief complaint


• Past ocular history


• Family history


• Systemic illnesses


• Medications


• Allergies and drug reactions


• Social history

Basic skills and lensometry

• Measure visual acuity at distance and near utilizing tests appropriate for age and education, and record accurately.


• Perform pinhole testing when indicated.


• Perform and record contrast sensitivity.


• Perform Ishihara or HRR color vision testing.


• Accurately measure and record current lens power with a lensometer.


• Perform and record exophthalmometry.


• Perform and record Amsler grid.


• Perform and record Schirmer testing.


• Evaluate pupillary reactions, including afferent pupillary defect.


• Estimate anterior chamber depth.


• Able to properly operate common non‑automated and automated ophthalmic equipment including, but not limited to: IOL Master, Orb‑scan, bright‑field acuity testing, potential acuity meter, autorefractor, corneal pachymetry, Humphrey visual field, Goldmann visual field, OCT, HRT, Lenstar.

Patient Services

• Apply proper ocular dressings and shields.


• Follow divisional protocols for eye drop instillation, including cycloplegics and topical anesthetics.


• Properly instill eye drops.


• Label newly opened bottles with expiration dates.


• Understand the indications/contraindications for dilation.


• Measure interpupillary distances, evaluate spectacle fit.


• Properly assist physically or visually disabled patients.


• Adhere to regulations regarding drug samples and logs.

Basic Tonometry

• Perform accurate Goldmann applanation tonometry and properly disinfect the tonometer.


• Perform accurate Tono‑pen tonometry and properly disinfect and store the tonometer.


• Perform accurate Eye Care tonometry.


• Understand the principals of scleral rigidity and factors that alter intraocular pressure.

Instrument Maintenance

• Perform routine instrument maintenance on all ophthalmic equipment.


• Stock examination rooms in assigned area and ensure medication expiration dates are current.


• Disinfect and maintain examination rooms.

General Medical Knowledge

• Maintain current CPR certification.


• Understand basic ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and emergencies.


• Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control.

Must complete currently required JHMI courses, such as

• Self‑learning educational packets


• HIPAA regulations


• Conflict of Interest


• Complete Annual Review paperwork in a timely manner.


• Complete training in software such as Epic, POE, TAP, Forum, Oculab, Allscripts


• Assist physician chair side as a scribe

Possible Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Surgical assisting with minor outpatient procedures; basic instrument care.


• Perform basic slit lamp evaluation of anterior chamber depth.


• Measure axial length with A‑scan biometry.


• Perform protocol refractometry or other testing for clinical trials.


• Instruct patients in contact lens care, insertion and removal.


• Neuro‑physiologic testing including electroretinogram (ERG), Multi‑focal electroretinogram (MFERG).


• Visual evoked potential (VEP).


• Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO).


• Other duties that may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.


• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology within 18 months of start date.


• CPR certification.


• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Job Details

Job Posting Title: Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

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

Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 hourly (target $27.03/hour; commensurate with experience)

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

Location: School of Medicine – East Baltimore Campus (Wilmer Eye Institute)

Benefits

The referenced base salary represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors including geographic location, skills, work experience, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found at https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will undergo a pre‑employment background check. The university will review conviction history on an individual basis in accordance with applicable law.

Diversity, Inclusion, & Equal Opportunity

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through its strategic framework. It is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other protected characteristics.

Accommodation Information

If you require special assistance or accommodation during the pre‑employment process, contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [e-mail].

Vaccination Requirements

Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions may be provided for religious or medical reasons.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

EEO is the Law: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf