Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University invites applications for the Ophthalmic Technician Assistant at the Wilmer Eye Institute. This training-focused role is ideal for pre-med students seeking clinical exposure in eye care while learning to support ophthalmologists during patient care and testing.

Program emphasizes hands-on experience, with no prior experience required, and a clear path to advanced ophthalmology roles through our robust training program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Must obtain COA from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date. CPR certification also required.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience per JHU equivalency formula.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and record an accurate patient history including chief complaint and past ocular history.
• Perform basic elements of the preliminary eye exam (visual acuity, color vision, tonometry, slit lamp exam).
• Operate automated and non-automated ophthalmic equipment for ancillary testing.
• Assist physician chairside as a scribe.

Skills

Ophthalmic terminology

Medical terminology

CPR certification

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. 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

• 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

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (Ophthalmology)

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, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: JH at Columbia Center

Department name: Columbia Practice Oph

Personnel area: School of Medicine