Ophthalmic Assistant (Level 1)

Job Family: Clinical

Department: Clinic

Reports to: Clinic Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full Time (40 hours/week)

Schedule: Variable hours and days (including occasional Saturdays)

Our Mission

We pursue excellence in the delivery of professional, compassionate, and complete eye care.

Our Values

• Empathy | Understand others’ feelings and perspectives.
• Extend Grace | Show kindness, compassion, and understanding.
• Desire to Help People in Need | Strong sense of social responsibility.
• Wants to Work | Perform your job to the best of your abilities.
• Invest in Yourself | Never stop learning.
• Benefit of the Doubt | Foster positive relationships and interactions.

Position Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) position is responsible for actions that support and safeguard Fogg Remington EyeCare (FRE) Standard of Patient Care. The OA provides support to ophthalmologists and optometrists. OA’s multi-task and regularly complete ad hoc projects. The workday goes by quickly, and no two days are exactly alike. The OA should be committed to the Company's strong learning culture and creating a positive patient experience. They are responsible for performing various tasks, including patient intake, vision testing, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. The OA must have excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong eye for anatomy and physiology knowledge. They must work well with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather information about the patient's primary concern.
• Record the gathered information in the patient's medical records.
• Obtain the patient's medical history.
• Perform a test for visual acuity.
• Conduct a test for stereopsis.
• Perform a test for color vision.
• Administer a test for Confrontational Visual Field Testing (CVF).
• Perform Non-Contact Tonometry (NCT).
• Use an auto refractometer.
• Use an auto lensometer.
• Administer eye drops to the patient.
• Assess the patient's pupils.
• Ensure exam room drawers are stocked.
• Ensure exam rooms have the necessary forms.
• Restock alcohol bottles.
• Use a Tonopen to measure intraocular pressure.
• Open and close exam rooms.
• Know basic eye terminology.
• Explain the Contact Lens Agreement and Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) agreements to the patient.
• Maintain proper structure in medical records and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Serve as a scribe for ODs and MDs, including coding and documentation.

Additional Requirements

• Cross-train in relevant/related functions and roles as necessary, and assist/train other staff in related functions as needed.
• Has not been sanctioned or excluded from participation in federal or state healthcare programs by a federal or state law enforcement, regulatory, or licensing agency.
• Maintain confidentiality by safeguarding ePHI and demonstrating HIPAA compliance to our patients.
• Ensure that HIPAA privacy policies are clearly understood and followed.
• Present a positive view of FRE to the community.
• Protect company assets.
• Support all co-workers and treat them with dignity and respect.
• Support the team to reach common goals.
• Be able to think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
• May drive on company business.
• Comply with all FRE policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients, and others.
• Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at FRE. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time, and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.
• Other duties as assigned. Please note that this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Required: Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Successful completion of a Medical Assistant or comparable program.

Experience

• Although previous experience as an Ophthalmic Assistant or comparable role is ideal, healthcare, hospitality, and retail experience are also assets.
• Experience as a Medical Assistant or similar is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences.
• Intermediate to advanced phone skills; able to effectively relate via the telephone and in-person to serve the needs of Clinic patients/clients/visitors in an efficient and productive manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to gracefully assist unhappy customers.
• Ability to interact and work effectively with co-workers, clients, guests, volunteers, and others.
• Well-spoken and polished demeanor.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work with diverse people groups.
• Attention to detail requires a high level of accuracy and attention.
• Time management and organizational skills: Prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying organized.
• Problem-solving skills: Analyzing complex problems, developing creative solutions, and making sound decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook).

WORK ACTIVITIES, STYLES, AND REQUIREMENTS

FRE Standards of Patient Care

• Respect: Treat all patients with respect and dignity.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with patients and their families.
• Safety: Ensure the safety of all patients and staff.
• Quality: Provide quality care and services to all patients.
• Privacy: Respect the privacy of all patients and their families.
• Accessibility: Ensure all patients can access the care and services they need.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors in a typical office environment approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of the time.
• Frequent computer use at the workstation for up to two hours.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• May occasionally move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.

Physical Demands

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, handle, control, feel, and assemble objects, tools, or controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
• Ability to move and lift up to 10 pounds.
• See the differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Visual Acuity (Far/Near).
• Regular and Consistent Attendance.

Changes: This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.

ADA/FEHA: Fogg Remington EyeCare will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: Fogg Remington EyeCare is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.