Ophthalmic Technician
We are seeking an Ophthalmic Technician to provide technician/clinical support to physicians by performing patient workups and diagnostic testing. The position also requires supporting the Clinic Manager, reviewing and responding to in-basket messages from patients, addressing requests for Rx refills, forms completion and assisting to obtain prior authorizations from insurance carriers.
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.htm
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Records patient history including chief complaint, information on ocular history, past surgeries, medical condition, medications taken, allergies, learning assessment, falls risk and family history.
- Checks pupil response to light by shining light into eye and watching speed with which pupils constrict; checks for afferent pupillary defect.
- Measures central visual field using Amsler Grid.
- Instills eye drops under physicians’ direction.
- Measures and records distance and near visual acuity.
- Measures and records intraocular pressure using applanation tonometry (i.e. Goldman tonometer), pneumatic tonometry, or Schiotz-type indentation tonometer.
- Performs Humphrey visual field testing; refers patients for further testing where appropriate.
- Performs OCT’s.
- Performs IOL Master measurements to prepare patients for cataract surgery
- Performs Pentacam measurements.
- Performs accurate refractions.
- Tests color vision, depth perception (stereopsis).
- Screens for presence of ocular motility disorders.
- Uses slit lamp to examine eye surface.
- Performs special testing like Bright field Acuity Testing; otential Acuity Meter; and pachymetry.
- Performs basic maintenance or repair of clinical equipment.
- Compiles and enters data for clinical studies; may participate in other clinical research projects.
- Performs ultrasound scans by measuring the axial length of the eye using various A-Scan ultrasound units. Recognizing difficult scans and adjusting unit as needed in patient with high myopia, high hyperopia, poor fixation nystagmus retinal detachments, corneal problems, and intraocular lenses already in place.
- Performs accurate keratometry readings adjusting keratometer reading if unobtainable.
- Calculates intraocular lens power using various formulas to fit patient’s needs and situations, either manually or by computer.
- Takes fundus photos as needed.
- Assists with in office procedures.
- Processes refill requests.
- Responsible for exam room supply maintenance.
- Ensures medication expiration dates are current.
- Responsible for maintaining and sterilization of instruments.
- Disinfects and maintain examination rooms.
- Understand and practice the fundamentals of microbial control.
- Maintains refrigerator logs, sharps container, etc.
- Is familiar with JCAHO requirements and ensures clinic practice is in compliance with regulations.
- May be asked to teach patient to insert and remove contact lenses correctly, and proper handling techniques.
Non-Clinical duties may include, but are not limited to the following
- Reviews and responds to in-basket messages and answers patients’ clinical questions.
- Explains technician related concerns to Front Desk staff and assists staff with triaging appointment scheduling.
- Assists with obtaining insurance required prior authorizations for office procedures and medications.
- Assists with tracking and processing of forms request (i.e. MVA, disability).
- Maintains general medical knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases and ocular emergencies.
- Maintains required (COA) ophthalmic technician certification.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school Diploma or graduation equivalent
- One year experience as an Ophthalmic Technician.
- Must obtain Certified Ophthalmic Asst (COA) from JCAHPO within 18 months of start date.
- CPR certification
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
Classified Title: Ophthalmic Technician
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Ophthalmic Technician
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE
Starting Salary Range: $19.75 - $35.35 HRLY ($23.22-$34.02/hour targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus
Department name: 10002993-SOM Oph Comprehensive Eye Svc
Personnel area: School of Medicine