Ophthalmic Technician

Position Summary

The Ophthalmic Technician assists ophthalmologists by performing patient pre-testing, diagnostic procedures, and basic clinical tasks. They prepare patients for exams, record medical histories, operate ophthalmic equipment, and ensure smooth clinic workflow while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

In order to qualify for this position, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily per the list below:

• Perform Humphrey visual field (HVF)


• Knowledge of ophthalmic terminology


• Perform applanation tonometry, visual acuity, pachymetry , pupil testing, confrontation visual fields, checking angles


• Take patient medical and ocular history, reconcile medications and allergies


• Perform keratometry, color vision testing and stereo testing


• Teach contact lens insertion and removal


• Application of eye drops and knowledge of ophthalmic medication


• Ability to refract and perform lensometry


• Basic knowledge of ophthalmic instruments for minor procedures


• Prepare minor procedure setup, consent patient for procedure


• Autorefraction and autokeratometry


• Perform Amsler Grid test


• Perform Fundus photography, OCT, Pentacam, IOL Master, Lens star


• Knowledge of IOL Master Calibration


• Operates, calibrates and maintains ophthalmic instruments and equipment


• Exercise critical thinking skills


• All technicians will be involved in learning and teaching in the department


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The candidate must obtain COA (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) certificate within one year of hire)

Education

High school diploma, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is necessary.

Experience 

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  Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in an ophthalmic or eye care setting preferred

  
  


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  Experience performing pre-testing, diagnostic procedures, or using ophthalmic equipment strongly desired

  
  


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  Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and basic clinical documentation

  
  


• Certifications preferred: Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Competencies

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate providing verbal feedback in a professional manner.  Must be able to follow and understand instructions and react favorably in all work situations.  Must have strong interpersonal skills and be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people at various levels within and outside the MFA.                       

It is now a requirement for anyone in this position, because of its direct patient contact,  to have the Hepatitis B Vaccine documentation or signed declination, PPD baseline and annual surveillance (+PPD requires annual symptom review sheet, +/-CXR), respiratory fit testing (saccharine whiff), MMR vaccine series or documentation, and varicella antibody titer or documentation.  You must contact Employee Health Services within 5 days from the date of your new hire orientation session.  Documentation from your primary physician will be acceptable. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Supervision Received

Supervision is received daily from the Practice Manager, senior technicians and/ or physicians/residents; work results are reviewed daily.

Supervision Exercised

None

Typical Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Frequent mobility and/or sitting required for extended periods of time. Requires manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment. 

About GW MFA

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.