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SalaryOphthalmic Assistant/Photographer, Training Program
- (3279049)
The Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program at Massachusetts Eye and Ear is designed to give trainees the opportunity to gain clinical knowledge and skills to start a rewarding career in Ophthalmology. An ophthalmic Assistant is responsible for gathering and documenting pertinent clinical information which allows Ophthalmologists to diagnose, monitor and treat patients with ocular problems. This specific pathway of the Training Program focuses heavily on ocular imaging/photography. Successful candidates are eager to learn, motivated, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, are detail oriented and are committed to providing exceptional patient care.
The paid Ophthalmic Assistant Training program is a 3-month long program with a curriculum that combines classroom lectures, online modules, hands-on skills practicum and in clinic training/practice. Trainees will have the opportunity to train and work in many Ophthalmology subspecialties including Oculoplastic, Comprehensive, Cornea, Glaucoma, Retina, Ocular Melanoma, Uveitis, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Trauma. After successful completion of the program, trainees will continue to work as Ophthalmic Assistants/Photographer at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Ophthalmic Technician and Service Director/Manager, the Ophthalmic Assistant is responsible for performing preliminary patient workups, diagnostic testing and/or any other clinical tasks.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Upon training, the ophthalmic assistant may be required to perform any of the following tasks:
- Initial patient screening by documenting the chief complaint, review of systems (ROS), ocular, family, social and medical history, pain assessment, patient medication list, allergies; obtaining visual acuity, automated refraction and keratometry, lensometry, confrontational visual field, pupil and extraocular muscle assessment, tonometry, manifest refraction, Brightness Acuity Test (BAT); performing additional ophthalmic tests including but not limited to color vision and stereo testing, Amsler grid, shirmers/zone-quick and pachymetry as requested by the provider.
- Perform ophthalmic diagnostic testing as ordered by the ophthalmologists including but not limited to perimetry, corneal topography, anterior, posterior segment and external photography, dark adaptation/MAIA, optical biometry.
- 2. Upon training, the ophthalmic assistant is required to know the basics of ocular anatomy and physiology, common ocular diseases/conditions and ocular pharmacology3. Uncertified OAs are not eligible to instill any eye drops until they have completed 1,000 clinical hours requirement for eligibility to sit for the COA examination. Uncertified assistants will be trained and learn to identify all types of diagnostic eye drops, on proper handling and instillation techniques and to accurately document in patient electronic medical records. OAs will be trained and capable of assessing the depth of the anterior chamber and recognizing any possible contraindication for instillation of mydratic or cycloplegic drops.
- 4. Proper handling and transport of medication used in the clinics.
- 5. Measure and record vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate and pulse
- 6. Maintains adequate medical/ophthalmic supplies in exam and testing rooms.
- 7. Properly cleans instruments, equipment and exam/testing rooms in accordance to hospital infection control standards.
- 8. Ensures that equipment is in proper working order and notifies the appropriate personnel if a problem is identified.
- 9. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the patients’ age, mental and physical needs.
- 10. Attends all annual in-service/trainings as required.
- 11. Complies with all state, federal and local regulations and laws governing the performance of this position.
- 12. Adheres to all hospital policies and procedures including HIPPA and patient and employee confidentiality
- 13. Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Infection Control/Joint Commission/Department of Public Health (DPH) standards.
- 14. Performs all other duties required to assist in/and or ensure the delivery of complete ophthalmic care and treatment of patients.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
