Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 24,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute seeks an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant to learn how to assist the ophthalmologist with ocular examinations and testing, supporting clinical operations. This position offers training across Wilmer locations with travel required and no evenings or weekends.

Ideal for pre-med students or those aiming for a career in ophthalmology; no experience is required. The program provides a strong foundation for future roles in clinic administration,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• COA certification must be obtained within 18 months; CPR certification required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience per the JHU equivalency formula.
• Must complete required JHMI courses and abide by HIPAA, Conflict of Interest, etc., including training in EPIC and Forum.

Responsibilities

• Record accurate patient histories including chief complaint, ocular history, and medications.
• Perform basic elements of preliminary eye exams (visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, slit lamp exam).
• Operate ophthalmic equipment for ancillary testing.
• Assist physician chairside as a scribe.
• Assist with pre- and post-operative care.
• Maintain and disinfect ophthalmic instruments and rooms.

Skills

Ophthalmic terminology

Medical terminology

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EPIC

Forum

Job description

We are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician Assistant who will learn to assist the Ophthalmologist by performing ocular examination and testing and supporting clinical operations.

This position will be required to work at any one of Wilmer’s locations based on the clinics’ needs. Travel is required.

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.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Obtain and concisely record an accurate patient history, including chief complaint, past ocular history, family history, systemic illness, medications, allergies and drug reactions, and social history.
• Perform basic elements of the preliminary eye exam, including visual acuity, color vision testing, lensometry, assessment of pupillary reactions, instillation of eye drops, tonometry, and basic slit lamp exam including evaluation of anterior chamber depth.
• Perform ancillary testing including operation of various automated and non‑automated ophthalmic equipment.
• Assistant physician chairside as a scribe.

Patient Services

• Apply proper ocular dressings and shields.
• Properly assist physically or visually disabled patients.
• Assist with pre‑ and post‑op care, including possible surgical assisting with outpatient procedures.

Clinical and 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.
• Possess general medical knowledge, including basic microbial control, ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
• Maintain current CPR certification.

Must complete currently required JHMI courses, and abide by relevant regulations, such as

• Self‑learning educational packets
• HIPAA
• Conflict of Interest
• Training in software such as EPIC and Forum.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent
• Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) from Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (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

• Familiarity with ophthalmic and general medical terminology.

Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician Assistant

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

Starting Salary Range: $17.65 - $31.05 HRLY ($18.41 starting; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Department name: SOM Oph General Administration

Personnel area: School of Medicine