Optometry - Ophthalmic Assistant

Job Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to Optometrist. Including welcoming and assisting patients, obtaining medical and ocular histories, performing preliminary eye testing and diagnostic procedures, documenting patient information accurately, preparing patients for examinations, and maintaining ophthalmic equipment and supplies.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time with reasonable accommodation.

Verify vision insurance benefits (e.g., VSP, IEHP) and explain coverage to patients.

Process eyewear and contact lens orders, track laboratory status, and notify patients arrival.

Manage the appointment calendar, handle patient check-in/check-out procedures, and coordinate referrals.

Conduct preliminary diagnostic tests, including visual acuity, auto-refraction, tonometry and ….

Gather and document patient medical history, current medications, and chief complaints into Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Sanitize examination rooms and prepare necessary instruments between patient visits.

Conduct Visual Fields, Retinal Imaging (OCT and Retinal Camera), pachymetry and other ophthalmic specialty test….

Instruct new wearers on the proper insertion, removal, and hygienic care of contact lenses.

Assist patients in selecting eyewear for their prescription, facial features, and personal style.

Take facial measurements, such as Pupillary Distance (PD) and segment height

Fit, adjust, and perform minor repairs on eyeglasses.

Explain various lens options, anti-reflective coatings, blue light filters, and progressive designs.

Non-Essential Functions

As directed by the Director of Optometry and Regional Optician, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Professional Requirements

Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.

Maintain current license, registrations and/or certifications.

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Report to work on time and as scheduled as attendance and punctuality is necessary.

Ability to work well with a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to problem solve and be self-motivated.

Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.

Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.

Communicate the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.

Must have excellent written and oral skills, strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.

Expected to have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions.

Able to work independently with little or no supervision.

Must have reliable transportation.

Qualifications

High school diploma, or GED required.

COA or COT, Optician Certification OR 2+ Years of experience as an ophthalmology or optometry technician OR 2-3+ years Retail optical dispensing experience required.

Previous experience in a medical office, retail, or hospitality setting preferred.

Bilingual in English/Spanish required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.

strong interpersonal communication, empathy for patient needs, and a professional demeanor.

Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.

Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities.

Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

Ability to work with a diverse population.

Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings.

Must be self-directed and work productively with minimal supervision.

Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team

Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook

Knowledge of Electronic Health Records

Thorough knowledge of basic science and optics, familiarity with optometric and/or ophthalmic procedure related to preliminary testing.

Basic knowledge of instillation of optometric diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceuticals as applied to the practice of optometry.

Critical for accurate data entry of prescriptions and taking precise measurements.

Demonstrate the skills to provide age-appropriate care to the clients of the clinic.

Demonstrate knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to interpret information relative to the patients age related needs.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.

Pushing and pulling objects up to 25 lbs.

Frequent wrist, hand, and finger dexterity to perform fine motor function.

Position requires light to moderate work with 25 lb. maximum weight to lift and carry.

Full range of body motion requires twisting body, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, listening, talking, and/or hearing, and seeing.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Conditions

Non-Ionizing Radiation (microwaves)

Hazardous Exposure (chemical [E.G. Latex] and infectious)

Work Schedule

You will generally be scheduled to work each day Monday through Friday, with starting times each day varying between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and ending time between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., as required to meet the operational needs of the company. There will be occasional Saturdays as needed.

You will need to travel to other clinic locations as needed for cross coverage support.

Our Mission

The mission of Unicare is to be a community health care organization that treats everyone with dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity to help create an environment in which all can prosper.