I. GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Clinical Supervisor/Manager, the Ophthalmic Technician I is responsible for facilitating patient care and flow by performing the preliminary work up of the patient exam including history taking and performing a variety of screenings and diagnostic tests necessary for patient care by following established standards and procedures.

II. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Obtains patient physical history to include chief complaint, reason for visit, current medications, allergies, past and current ocular and medical history.

2. Performs various screening and tasks as ordered by the physician including, but not limited to visual acuity, lensometry, refraction, keratometry, pupil evaluation, measurement of eye pressure, drop instillation, etc.

3. Performs and assist with various diagnostic tests and ocular imaging as determined necessary through patient assessment such as Optical Coherence tomography (OCT), Topography, Visual Fields, IOL Master, etc.

4. Prepares patient consent forms and assists physician with in office procedures as needed.

5. Set up exam rooms by ensuring that they are clean, organized, stocked with necessary medications, supplies, instruments, forms, and patient education materials.

6. Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection of instruments and supplies per hospital and manufacturer recommendations, assists with calibration and maintenance of equipment.

7. Facilitation of clinic flow and scribing components of the exam into the Electronic Health Record.

8. Complies with all local, state and federal regulations and laws governing the performance of this position within the Ophthalmology department.

9. Performs and assists with other clinical, administrative, technical related duties as required or directed.

III. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A. JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Knowledge of eye terminology, basic anatomy and physiology of eye preferred.

2. Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with patients and understand their needs, and be responsive to elderly and sensory handicapped patients.

3. Ability to work closely and effectively with all disciplinary members of the care team.

4. Excellent communication skills required to effectively explain the exam process to patients and help allay their concerns and apprehensions.

5. Strong attention to detail.

6. Ability to work in fast-paced, high volume clinics.

7. Energetic, self-motivated, and ability to function independently.

B. EDUCATION:

1. High school diploma or equivalent PLUS experience in an ophthalmic or healthcare related setting.

2. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

3. Completion of ophthalmic, optometric, or medical assistant training program and/or AAO Home Study Course preferred.

4. Current CPR certification preferred. Will be required within 3 months of hire.

C. EXPERIENCE:

1. Experience in an ophthalmic practice preferred.

2. Experience with computers and scheduling systems preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Close contact with children, adolescents, elderly, and sensory handicapped patients, with some exposure to blood and hypodermic needles.

2. Busy multi-specialty practice, and work environment involving several physicians.

3. May be required to float to satellite offices and must provide own transportation.

V. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to physically assist patients from wheelchairs into exam chairs and escort patients to other floors as needed.

3. Ability to assist the elderly and visually impaired.

4. Requires prolonged standing, walking, some bending, stooping, and stretching.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home — an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medicine, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.