Optometric Assistant

Primary Function

This position is located within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Patient Eye Clinic. The primary function of this position is to provide technical assistance to the optometrist or ophthalmologist. The position demands a significant degree of personal responsibility to make decisions and to work independently.

Job Description

Patient Screening and Auxiliary Ophthalmic Testing

• Receives patients, performs a screening to include: case history, visual acuity, confrontation fields, inter-pupillary distance measurements, and neutralization of the patients’ glasses.
• Prepares patients for examination.
• Assists optometrist in examination as required.
• Provides interpretation services as needed.
• Performs other tests as requested by the optometrist, including but not limited to depth perception, near-point convergence, keratometry, Pachymetry, auto-refraction, tonometry and color vision.
• Performs blood glucose and blood pressure measurements as requested.
• Instills topical medications as instructed.
• Instructs patients how to insert, remove, clean, and care for contact lenses.
• Appoints patients according to established clinic protocol.

Patient Education

• Instructs patients in basic vision and eye health education, including the proper use of ocular pharmacological agents, prognosis, follow-up, eyewear use, and adjustment to eyewear.
• Maintains equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to the provision of services.
• Prepares requisitions as needed.
• Maintains a variety of recurring reports related to eye department activities as well as special reports when requested.
• Performs chart reviews as instructed.

Clerical Duties

• The incumbent assists with office clerical support work for the Optometry clinic when the secretary is on leave, at training, or otherwise out of the department.
• The work involves receiving and redirecting telephone calls, patients, and visitors; receiving mail; preparing outgoing mail; maintaining files; scheduling appointments; and providing translation for the optometrist as needed.
• Work also involves utilizing word processing and database management software tools.

Visual Fields Testing and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

• Utilizing a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer and OCT.
• Prepares patients for the procedure, positions patient, initializes and selects test parameters, conducts the test, monitors the patient responses, files results in the patient’s chart.

Photography

• Photographs retinal anatomy or pathology utilizing a table mounted fundus camera.
• Prepares patients for the procedure, positions the patient, and photographs area of interest according to verbal instructions.
• Labels photographs with patients’ name, chart number, date, and right or left eye.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Scope of Work

• Contact Lens ordering/Stocking as required. Stocking/replenishing exam lanes with supplies and equipment.

Job Knowledge

• Requires the ability to operate a computer, various equipment associated with an eye clinic, and related office equipment.
• Requires knowledge of various software packages: i.e., Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Knowledge of optical prescription writing and verification using lens measuring instruments.
• Knowledge of basic ocular anatomy.
• Skill in operating optical dispensary tools and equipment necessary to adjust and repair eyeglasses.
• Knowledge and skill in frames styling and all phases of dispensing eyewear.
• Knowledge of optical principles and materials in spectacle selection and fabrication.
• Knowledge of clinic and area optical policies and programs.
• Basic knowledge of certain common eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, cataracts, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, etc.
• Knowledge of visual field-testing devices including Humphrey techniques, test strategies, and terminology to perform tests as instructed.
• Knowledge of fundus photography instruments and principles and techniques to photography.
• Must have experience in applying various policies and procedures in the performance of assigned duties.
• Must be able to maintain specified records, files, and logs of the department.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Requires the ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
• Valid State ID required.

Supervisory Controls

Works under the Clinic Manager who makes assignments by defining objective priorities and deadlines and assists employees with unusual situations that do not have clear precedence. The employee plans and carries out the successive steps and handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted practices in the occupation.

Education/Experience

An Associate’s Degree in Allied Health in Ophthalmology Technician is preferred, or a related field, with an understanding of anatomy, medical terminology, microbiology, ophthalmic optics and physiology. Optometric Certification is required within 2 years of hire date. Previous experience working in an eye clinic of two years is required. Three to six months in the job would be necessary to become proficient in most phases of the work.

Contact with Others

Primary contact is with patients for the purpose of providing services, reassurance, exchange information, and to motivate patients to practice preventative eye care measures. Secondary contacts include, but not limited to primary care providers, medical records staff, pharmacy staff, billing office staff, and contract health staff. Contacts with other employees are to exchange information, solve problems, and coordinate services to be provided. All contacts require tact, courtesy, and professional decorum.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to enhance the quality of eye care provided by the Optometry clinic. This is accomplished through assisting the optometrist in direct patient care. Poor job performance and/or lack of responsibility to patients’ needs result in poor patient care and harms the overall mission of the service unit.

Complexity

Assignments of a mechanical nature such as frame adjustment and repair are of minimal to moderate complexity. Assignments related to direct patient care such as acquiring accurate vision screening results, interpreting examination procedures, explaining ocular health problems, educating patients, performing visual fields and fundus photography are of moderately to greatly complex due to individual patient personalities, conditions, and needs. The difficulty and originality in performing the work is great due to the complexities of the diverse physical and emotional needs of various patients.

Confidential Data

Will have access to confidential patient information and medical computer records related to patient visits which are confidential and should not be disclosed. Must adhere to all CIHA confidentiality policies and procedures and HIPAA.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Responsible for accuracy of demographic and insurance information obtained and entered into RPMS. Errors can be detected through interview techniques and subsequent interviews with patients.

Mental/Visual/Physical

The level of concentration varies with tasks with close attention to detail required while entering data and verifying accuracy of information. Duties of this position require the employee to be mobile, reach with hands and arms, speak, and hear. Must have good visual acuity. Position is subject to frequent interruptions, requiring varied responses. Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and meet deadlines and time frames. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds.

Resourcefulness and Initiative

Follows well-defined procedures with initiative and judgment required maintaining accuracy and complete tasks in a timely fashion.

Environment

Majority of work is performed within a hospital environment requiring interaction throughout the hospital. Occasional travel is required. Immunizations are required of all employees. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to potential hazards of communicable disease and some exposure to isopropyl alcohol in very small quantities. Use of tools whose misuse may result in small cuts and punctures. Assistant may wear safety glasses during optical laboratory duties to protect against flying debris and gloves to reduce acetone exposure.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.