POSITION SUMMARY
WellPartners is a free eye clinic located within the Richland County Health Department in Columbia, South Carolina. The Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician works in our fast-paced Public Health Optometry practice specializing in comprehensive eye care and vision examinations. The responsibilities include obtaining comprehensive medical histories, vital signs, vision and other diagnostic ophthalmic testing and pre-testing. The Ophthalmic Assistant/Technician will assist the Optometrist, prepare patients for examination, set up instruments for procedures, assist with patient flow management, clinic orders and patient referrals. The position works under the direction of the Optometrist and Clinic Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist patients and providers with direct and indirect patient care
- Comprehensive medical documentation, clerical, environmental, and organizational tasks, visual acuity testing, visual assessment, and tonometry
- Maintains medical record documentation in Revolution Electronic Health Record system
- Participates in activities related to patient care
- Records patient data and observations relevant to patients needs
- Recognizes need for safety measure and takes appropriate action to prevent injury in accordance with office standards
- Verifies that all information in the patient chart is correctly entered and associated; and initiates appropriate action when necessary (lab labels, lab requisition, visit summary, etc.)
- Restock and maintain rooms with supplies needed for patient care
- Functions as a Clinical Scribe as needed: While functioning in the Scribe role the Clinical Scribe must adhere WellPartners policy and procedures for scribes
- Perform pre-exam testing to include visual acuity assessment, including pinhole and glare testing, confrontational visual field testing, pupillary evaluation, tonometry, pupillary dilation, and all other patient services as requested by the Optometrist and or Clinic Director
- Perform retinoscopy and refractometry
- Manages medications according to WellPartners policy, procedures and within scope of practice
- Cleans and sterilizes instruments
- Educate patients regarding administration of medications and pre- and post-operative instructions as directed by Optometrist
- Conduct inventory of ophthalmic supplies, including pharmaceuticals and instruments on a regular basis and assist with maintenance of clinical examination equipment
- Open and close exam lanes daily, ensuring that equipment is wiped down in an appropriate manner, battery powered instruments are seated properly in re-charge wells, slit lamps and projectors are switched off under covers
- Maintains required certifications, completes yearly safety training, mandatory trainings, and complies with annual employee health requirements
- Performs all other duties as assigned
REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Effectively uses electronic, verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in a clear and concise manner to ensure appropriate understanding and response and demonstrates open communication with co-workers
- Demonstrates ability to coordinate multiple tasks and complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines
Preferred
- 1+ years of experience in an Optometry or Ophthalmology practice
- Current Basic Life Support certification (BLS) - or may be obtained within 90 days of hire date
- Demonstrates knowledge and effective use of medical terminology