Ophthalmic Technician

Job Summary:

Assist with the provision of patient care within established policies and procedures to serve the needs of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care program. Provides care to a population with predictable ophthalmic needs and assists the providers in caring for more acute needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Screen patients for chief compliant, take accurate history of Ophthalmic illnesses/surgeries, past ocular history, family history, and current eye related medications. Perform Ophthalmic testing as appropriate for the patient. This includes, but is not limited to the ability to check/document distance and near vision. Must be able to perform papillary assessment to rule out afferent defect and check pupil size (rule out pupillary asymmetry), corneal curvature (K readings) and color vision testing. Must be able to perform lensometry, including reading lenses with multifocal and progressive adds, power of sphere, axis of cylinder power and orientation of prism. Perform intraocular pressure checks using Applanation tonometry and also using the Tonopen. Perform confrontation visual fields. Must be able to perform cover/uncover test, alternate cover test and quantify strabismus; must be able to document ocular motility and the presence of strabismus or nystagmus. Must be able to perform Worth 4 dot test and Stereopsis test. Must be able to test near point of convergence, ductions, versions and vergences. Must be able to perform Potential Acuity Meter testing, Glare testing. Must demonstrate ability to check/recognize narrow angle. Instill dilating drops (and other ophthalmic drops) per physicians instructions. Take and record patient vitals when indicated in the EMR.
• Visual fields: Must perform calibration of automated perimeters, and must be able to perform automated perimetry. Maintain a working knowledge of automated perimetry, and be able to perform Amsler Grid testing.
• Must be able to perform OCT and HRT. Must be able to use IOL master and any other A scan programs for biometry readings.
• Assist doctors during examination as needed. Prepare for, set up and assist in minor surgery, and all types of laser procedures. Must be familiar with preoperative and pre-laser patient education. Apply eye dressings, protective shields as directed by the doctor. Always must be willing to assist patients in clinic areas.
• Set up and provide physician assistance with intravitreal injections.
• Per standard guidelines, clean exam lanes and minor surgical instruments. Prepare for the sterilization process either utilizing the clinic sterilizer following sterilizing protocol, or preparing instruments to be sent out for sterilization per standard protocol. Responsible for room maintenance including routing cleaning of exam lanes, and daily validation of expiration dates of dilating and other ophthalmic drops. Keep exam rooms well stocked with appropriate instruments, as well as patient handouts, and any other equipment, etc., as required by physicians.
• Maintain instruments and triage appropriately when instruments are in need of repair or replacement. Open exam lanes in the AM and close exam lanes in the PM. Provide administrative assistance and support as required, assisting administrative team as necessary. Assist in other clinic functions as necessary, including making appointments, preparing retina photography charts, or any other general duty as needed.
• Perform clerical duties to assist in maintaining departmental records and as directed by the assigned provider. Ensure that all relevant sections of the EMR are completed, and always kept up to date and current.
• Communicate via telephone with patients, other departments and other physicians as necessary. Record messages and refer to appropriate person as required. Answer patient service questions. Report patient complaints, or unusual symptoms, questions regarding treatment, medications, etc., and other questions to licensed personnel. Complete and distribute forms regarding patient examinations and treatment, medical information, consultations, etc. Prepare basic support care duties following established policies and procedures. Maintain adequate quantities of medical and clerical supplies. Assist with pharmacy order as required; relay prescriptions to any pharmacy as directed by physician.
• Maintain patient care areas and nurse station in a sanitary orderly condition. Prepare examining rooms for next patient after each use. Set up for examination or treatment following established procedures. Ensure sterile condition of examination, treatment, and testing instruments as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in continuing education and in-service programs, staff, team and other meetings as assigned. Complete and maintain Compliance and Safety modules and KPNW Behavior Standards as required. Maintain current confidentiality documentation. Adhere to Regional and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.