About The Role

Job Function Summary

Under general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor/Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Ophthalmic Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which he/she is assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day, and requires an individual to be flexible and well-trained. The primary responsibility of the Ophthalmic Technician is patient care, work-up, and preliminary testing in preparation for the Provider’s examination of the patient.

The Ophthalmic/Clinical Technician

Acts within the scope of practice an ophthalmic technician and carries out other clinical and administrative functions as directed by the Administration of the Department for any of the assigned Clinical Services, (i.e. General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Refractive Surgery, and Retina/Vitreous).
Monitors the clinical areas of the practice for patient and staff safety.
Cleans and maintains the equipment used by the practice.
Daily stocks supplies and maintains the order of each day’s assigned areas.
Maintains an orderly and professional appearance in all the clinic areas of the Department.
Actively pursues and attends continuing educational opportunities to ensure current knowledge in the ever-evolving role of the ophthalmic technician.
Stays abreast of changes in the field and seeks new skills and/or training as new, upgraded, or advancements in instrumentation develops.

Time

Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities

60 Yes Patient Screening and Clinical Support

Manages patient expectations by providing practice-specific guidelines related to service/visit. Seeks clinical input when appropriate.
Creates a professional and positive first impression for patients and referring physicians.
Prescreening: Review and record patient demographics and prepare electronic patient records for physician review. Demographics is inclusive of, but not limited to:
Ophthalmic and Systemic Medical History
Medication reconciliation
History of Present Illness
Chief Complaint
Allergies, sensitivities and side effects
Family and Social History
Visual Assessment: Performs and documents various acuity measurements and diagnostics tests as per physician requirement/symptomology.
Refractive Assessment: Distinguishes between different spectacle types (single vision distance, single vision near, bifocal or multifocal)
Tonometry/Pachymetry: Performs testing as indicated for patient’s age and/or physician order.
Promptly and professionally assists physicians and optometrists in patient care.
Compiles all documentation for pre-operative examination. Ensures that all documentation has been appropriately completed, including patient and physician signatures. Completes patient health survey.
Administers and legibly documents the administration of ophthalmic medication drops
Ensures that the physician’s orders are followed, confirms all ordered testing is completed and verifies that testing results are reconciled in the medical record.

20 Yes Quality & Performance Improvement

Contributes to team building by actively participating in meetings and discussions with other providers regarding practice activities.
Works with supervisor and co-workers to improve procedures and administrative systems. Actively Participates in performance improvement projects and customer service initiatives.
Has a supportive role in familiarizing new employees including Fellows, Residents, Medical students to the clinical functions, policies, and procedures of UCSF Medical Center and the Department of Ophthalmology.
Maintains and monitors for HIPAA compliance with electronic protected health information
As assigned, fills in for other co-workers to help address work load problems and cover vacation or sick leave openings.
Attends training classes provided by the Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF Medical Center, and other venues as required to keep skills and clinical practice updated.
Maintains, troubleshoots, and cleans all equipment being used. Reports nonworking equipment to supervisor. Understands and maintains calibration of all diagnostic instrumentation used.
Maintains exam rooms, replenish supplies and drops
Compliance with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards
Cleans and maintains department instrumentation as needed.
Delivers instruments to SPD as per protocol for processing.

15 Yes Automated visual fields

2 Yes Corneal Topography

2 Yes Auto-keratometry

1 Yes Lensometry

100%

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 6 months experience in clinical ophthalmology/ optometry.
IJCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant ( COA)*.
Ability to pass required competency in ophthalmic technician procedures.
Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and termininology.
Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system.
Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education.
Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient.
Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance.
Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up.
Possesses the ability to work with intermittent standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day.
Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation.
Under the direction of the Supervisor/Manager, actively works toward JCAHO compliance.
Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic.