Ophthalmic Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the guidance of the physician and direct supervision of the Tech Trainer/Supervisor/ and Chief Ophthalmic Technician. Performs various tasks to provide clinical support necessary for quality patient care. Participates in the care of patients in a clinical setting by performing various ophthalmic examinations; scheduling appointments and maintaining patient medical records. Responsibilities include organizing and prioritizing work to ensure completion in a timely manner. Position: Ophthalmic Assistant Department: BMC Eye Clinics Schedule: Full Time ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: Greets patients and gather demographic information and documents in the medical record. Screens each patient and completes preliminary examination according to the physician’s preference to include, documentation of chief complaint, history of present illness, allergies, current medication, and medical history. Receives instruction, reads from textbooks and practices techniques to understand and apply knowledge to operate various clinical equipment and appropriate testing to assist the physician in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient; Tests may include: Visual Acuity Testing, Visual Field Testing, Lensometry, Automated Refractometry, Pupil Assessment; Gross External Examination and eye drop instillation. Documents all procedures/decisions in the patient's medical record, under instruction from physician which may include facilitating and or scribing. Assists with providing fundamental patient education and counseling. Reports any issues or problems not clearly defined to supervisor or physician. Assists the physician in preparing patient for laser surgery or other surgical procedures, ensuring that rooms are appropriately stocked with appropriate equipment, instruments and supplies and paying attention to patient’s clinical needs. Informs supervisor when supplies are running low. Train for new tasks and ancillary skills as assigned. Attends staff meetings and seminars. Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of clinical area on own initiative and reports any malfunctioning equipment as observed by supervisor. Maintains a complete understanding of emergency procedures. Conforms to the hospital standards and conduct so that the best patient care may be provided. Utilizes hospital’s behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital’s mission and goals. Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures OTHER DUTIES: Performs other duties as needed. (The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required). JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent required. Preferably one to two years education beyond high school (graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technology, Ophthalmic Assistant, or Allied Health Professional program or equivalent preferred). CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: No certification required; willing to work toward certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COA). EXPERIENCE: Experience that includes medical history taking, ophthalmic patient services, general medical knowledge, and visual acuity testing is preferred. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Must have knowledge of medical terminology. Requires the analytical ability to understand and apply complex and semi-complex ophthalmic procedures and follow detailed instructions from the physician. Requires the interpersonal skills necessary to relate to patients in a sympathetic and tactful manner and allay patient apprehensions. Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus. Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information. Optimistic attitude, strong customer service focus, and willing to work as a contributing member of a team. Requires knowledge of the Department’s policies, procedures and protocols normally acquired through on the job training. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans Working at Boston Medical Center is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a difference as part of our mission to provide exceptional and equitable care to all. As a nationally-recognized leader in health equity, nursing, initiatives to combat climate change, and many other areas, BMC is dedicated to improving the health of our community in Boston and beyond. BMC’s mission to provide exceptional care without exception extends to our employees, and we have been recognized as a top employer and best place to work. A strong sense of teamwork and support for our staff are the bedrock of BMC, as we know that we can only provide exceptional care to patients when our staff are cared for too. Boston Medical Center is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request. Boston Medical Center participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. As an E-Verify employer, prospective employees of BMC must complete a background check before beginning their employment at the hospital. BMC requires all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu, as well as receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment. 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