Ophthalmic Technician

Department Overview

OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a premier academic medical center providing eye care for adults and children in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We treat eye conditions from the most straightforward to the most complex and offer expert care in all ophthalmology specialties. Learn more about our clinics and services.

Since 1945, OHSU Casey Eye Institute doctors and vision scientists have worked side by side to discover the causes of eye disease and find new treatments. Bringing research and patient care together helps us turn possibilities into realities OHSU Casey Eye Institute is a "High Performing" eye hospital, which means we are ranked in the top 10 percent nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

The purpose of this position is to provide ophthalmic assistance to all physicians Casey-wide, primarily by providing ancillary testing as ordered. Duties include but are not limited to working up patients, taking histories, documenting in medical records, triage, and prior authorizations. Assist with the administrative components of practices and other department administrative duties as assigned by the manager. This is a full-time, benefited, non-remote position.

Function/Duties of Position

Perform calibration of automated and non-automated perimeters. Maintain a working knowledge of computerized visual field programs, and be able to perform Amsler Grid testing. Maintain a working knowledge of disease processes that may affect the visual pathway and resultant changes in the visual field due to these disease processes in order to adequately perform Goldmann (non-automated) perimetry (central and peripheral). Perform SITA and Standard Humphrey (automated) (central and peripheral). Being competent with imaging software used by CEI and various divisions.

Screen patients for and obtain/record patient’s chief complaint, take accurate history of illnesses/surgeries (Ophthalmic and General), past ocular history, family history, drug allergies, and medications. Assist physician with completing/transferring patient information to the patient problem list as required per JCAHO. Perform ophthalmic testing as appropriate per patient. This includes but is not limited to checking/documenting distance and near vision in adults and children with and without correction, clearly determining from patient history if the patient is needing new glasses on any given visit. Pupillary assessment to rule out afferent defect and to check pupil size (rule out asymmetry), corneal curvature, color vision testing, must be proficient in performing lensometry including reading lenses with multifocal and progressive adds, power of sphere, axis of cylinder and cylinder power, and orientation of prism and measurement of interpupillary distance. Perform applanation tonometry, and utilize Tonopen (noncontact tonometry) to check intraocular pressure. Perform confrontation visual fields. Must be proficient in refractometry and auto refraction, fogging with astigmatic dials, cross cylinder refinement and measurement of accommodation. Must be able to perform cover/uncover test, alternate cover test and quantify strabismus. Must be able to document ocular motility, presence of strabismus or nystagmus. Must be able to perform Worth 4-dot test and Stereopsis test. Must be able to test near point of convergence, ductions, versions and vergences. Must be able to perform Potential Acuity Meter testing, Glare Testing. Instill dilating and other ophthalmic drops per physician’s instructions.

Set up ophthalmic examination rooms, stock supplies as necessary, perform minor repairs and triage to Clinical Engineering or outside vendors as necessary. Maintain instruments and be able to clean and properly sterilize items. Maintain ophthalmic exam rooms and ensure rooms are stocked, and have appropriate paperwork and are orderly and clean and ensure the rooms are stocked, have appropriate paperwork and forms, and are orderly and clean. This includes periodic cleaning of trial lenses and examining lenses, ordering of linens and medications from pharmacy. Open examination rooms in the AM and close in the PM (if clinic completed). Refill pharmacy requests as per physician guidelines; fax/send glasses prescriptions as indicated. Provide administrative assistance and support as required, assist in pulling patient charts and making appointment reminder phone calls as necessary. Duties include enlisting translators when necessary, fax, call, route through Epic for pharmacy requests and prior authorizations for division. Assisting physician in filling out forms such as Commission for the Blind forms and forms regarding the visual impairment of patients, and other such forms. Learn computer applications (scheduling, order entry, etc.) used in the clinic and achieve understanding of insurance authorization process. Assist in other clinic functions as necessary, including making appointments, preparing charts, answering phones or any other general duty as needed. Exhibit initiative and teamwork in performing all daily tasks.

Provides high quality customer service to patients, OHSU faculty and referring providers, to include PCP’s and their office staff, insurance providers in requesting referrals, and co-workers and staff as well as setting an example in training new employees. Maintains a high standard of patient interactions skills and is exemplary in addressing patient complaints when necessary.

Participate in continuing education courses and activities, maintain current JCAHPO certification. Have knowledge of and be able to practice JCAHO clinical guidelines. Demonstrate competence in all required skills during yearly skills evaluation.

Required Qualifications

Completion of an accredited training program such as Ophthalmic Technician Program, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Training Program, Eye Care Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Program, Ophthalmic Medical Technology; OR

AA in Ophthalmic Technology from an accredited school; OR

Current certification as a certified ophthalmic technician (COA) or higher; OR

BA/BS or in Health Care, Science or Research related field AND 1 year of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields; OR

2 years of clinical/lab experience conducting preliminary screening/vision testing to include specialized tests and visual fields

Must be able to perform ophthalmic tests and exams as specified above. Ability to perform Goldmann Visual fields. Basic computer keyboard skills and proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related computer applications.

BLS certification through American Heart Association (AHA), provider level is required at time of hire. Initial certification is the responsibility of the employee. Renewal certification classes/cost provided by OHSU if job required.

Preferred Qualifications

COA or COT certification

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.