Ophthalmic Technician - Ophthalmology - Days

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems is seeking an Ophthalmic Technician to prepare patients for examinations, perform routine vision testing, administer eye medications, and assist physicians during minor procedures. The role requires completing ophthalmic history, sub-specialty testing, and accurate EMR documentation.

Responsibilities include patient counseling, instrument sterilization, room setup, and maintaining stock.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
• Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program; COA by JCAHPO within 24 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and acts as clinical assistant to the physician.
• Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, and confirming purpose of visit.
• Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub-specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A-Scan Biometry, Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, colour testing, contact lens evaluation).
• Accurately records all information in EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95% accuracy.
• Checks condition of patients’ eyes by performing slit lamp examination and documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
• Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to Attending Physician.
• Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping patient information confidential.
• Counsels patients by transmitting physician’s orders, use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imaging required/ordered.
• Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and promptly reporting equipment issues.
• Handles patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription refill requests.
• Performs set a standard number of patient work‑ups based on established times while maintaining the quality of customer service.
• Opens and closes examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and stocked properly.
• Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of the department.
• Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilisation or High‑Level Disinfection (HLD).
• Sets up and preps for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS.
• Follows attendance and dress code policies.
• Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed.

Skills

Patient care

Clinical interviewing

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma

Ophthalmic Assistant Program

COA certification

CMA certification

Tools

EPIC EMR

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Chief Lead Technician; the ophthalmic technician performs a range of duties which includes preparing the patient to see the Attending Physician (preliminary exam, medical history, & testing), preparation of examination and treatment rooms, performing basic and routine vision screening examinations, administering eye medications, cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic instruments and assisting physicians during minor surgical and laser procedures.

Essential Functions

Performance Expectations

• Provides primary ophthalmic care to patients and acts as clinical assistant to the physician.
• Verifies patient information by interviewing patient, recording medical history, and confirming purpose of visit.
• Performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub‑specialty tests (refraction, VF test, A‑Scan Biometry (Lenstar, IOL Master, Immersion), Pachymetry, PAM evaluation, BAT, colour testing, contact lens evaluation).
• Accurately records all information in EMR (EPIC) system according to established standards and physician requirements and those required by VCUHS with 95 % accuracy.
• Checks condition of patients’ eyes by performing slit lamp examination and documenting abnormalities, confrontation visual field, pupil evaluation, motility screening, visual acuity, refraction, and tonometry with applanation.
• Prepares patients for ophthalmology examination by dilating pupils, changes in visual acuity, elevated extraocular pressure and communicating results to Attending Physician.
• Secures patient information and maintains patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records, completing diagnostic ordering, and keeping patient information confidential.
• Counsels patients by transmitting physician’s orders, use of drops, contact lenses, drugs, and answering questions about surgery and specialty imaging required/ordered.
• Keeps equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and promptly reporting equipment issues.
• Handles patient phone calls, messages, messages from MyChart, and prescription refill requests.
• Performs set a standard number of patient work‑ups based on established times while maintaining the quality of customer service.
• Opens and closes examination rooms ensuring that equipment is cleaned and stocked properly.
• Maintains stock in the exam room in accordance with the standard inventory of the department.
• Maintains treatment room stock and prepares instruments for sterilisation or High‑Level Disinfection (HLD).
• Sets up and preps for minor OR procedures to include setting sterile tray and maintaining the sterile field.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and following policies and procedures of the department and complying with legal regulations, JCAHPO, and VCUHS.
• Follows attendance and dress code policies.
• Must be able to work at alternative VCUHS Ophthalmology locations as needed.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: N/A

• Successfully completes the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ophthalmic Medial Assisting Course within 12 months.
• Obtains Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) within twenty‑four (24) months of hire date.

Experience

• Experience REQUIRED: Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in optometric/ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing.
• Experience PREFERRED: Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in ophthalmology performing initial examinations and diagnostic testing; Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with previous experience in an academic health care environment.

Education & Training

• Education/Training REQUIRED: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Education/Training PREFERRED: Successful completion of Ophthalmic Assistant Program; Certified Medical Assistant; Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO); Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Independent Actions

• Independently performs complete ophthalmic history and preliminary exams, sub‑specialty testing, maintains equipment and coordinates patient flow.

Additional Position Requirements

• Other duties as assigned.
• Must be willing to work at all office locations.

Age Specific Groups Served

All

Physical Requirements

• Physical – Lifting 20‑50 lbs.
• Activities – Prolonged standing, walking (distance).
• Mental/Sensory – Strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, reading, logical thinking.
• Emotional – Fast‑pace environment, able to handle multiple priorities, frequent and intense customer interactions, able to adapt to frequent change.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran