Orthoptist

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 81,670 - 104,130; Part time

Job summary

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) seeks an Orthoptist to manage the care of ophthalmic patients in a multidisciplinary environment. Responsibilities include conducting clinical evaluations, vision testing, and patient education. Candidates need a Bachelor's degree and prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic.

The position offers involvement in teaching and clinical research, along with a salary range of $81,670.00 to $104,130.00 annually. CHOP values a diverse workforce and is committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with clinical evaluation of patients, including history-taking and medication reconciliation.
• Conduct vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, and other components of ophthalmic examination.
• Educate patients about glasses, medication administration, and eye exercises.

Skills

Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills

Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members

Good stamina and good decision-making skills

Basic computer skills

Effective oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a leading pediatric hospital that offers opportunities to impact the care of patients, families, and the community.

Overview

The Orthoptist will help manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients treated at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and its satellite offices, and will be involved in teaching and clinical research. This position involves clinical care in a busy multidisciplinary academic environment, with a high level of pathology and potential involvement in teaching and academic programs with the University of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Assist the pediatric ophthalmology staff with the clinical evaluation of patients, including medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, medication reconciliation, and summary of chief complaint.
• Conduct vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other components of the ophthalmic examination.
• Escort patients to and from waiting areas and exam areas.
• Administer medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
• Perform retinoscopy and manifest refraction.
• Educate and instruct patients about glasses, patching, medication administration, and eye exercises.
• Document findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record.
• Consult with the appropriate physician as needed.
• Coordinate the timing and sequence of examinations and scheduling of additional tests to facilitate patient flow and clinic operation.
• Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly for the management of amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients.
• Teach ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
• Participate in internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff.
• Attend and present at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses, and technicians.
• Participate in departmental research activities and may assume responsibility as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients for publication in orthoptic and ophthalmology journals.
• Attend and participate in seminars, conferences, and conventions.
• Deliver papers concerning own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree – Required

Experience Qualifications

• Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic – Required

Skills And Abilities

• Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills – Required proficiency
• Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members – Required proficiency
• Good stamina and good decision-making skills – Required proficiency
• Basic computer skills required and previous experience with electronic medical records preferred – Required proficiency
• Effective oral and written communication – Required proficiency

Licenses and Certifications

• Orthoptic Certification – American Orthoptic Council – within 12 months – Required

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non‑discriminatory means.

Salary

Salary range: $81,670.00 – $104,130.00 annually. Part‑time pay will be adjusted proportionally.