Oregon Health & Science University

Ophthalmic Technician

Job Locations US-OR-Portland
Requisition ID
2025-36036
Position Category
Allied Health
Position Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Type
AFSCME union represented
Department
Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology
Salary Range
$28.25 - $38.19 per hour, depending on experience.
FTE
1.00
Schedule
M-F
Hours
Hours to be determined by manager
HR Mission
School of Medicine
Drug Testable
Yes

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. 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.

Function/Duties of Position

The purpose of this position is to provide ophthalmic patient care assistance to faculty, fellows and residents in the Comprehensive Adult Eye Clinic, providing ancillary screening and testing as necessary. This is a full time, benefited, non-remote position.

 

Primary Job Duties

  • 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, corneal pachymetry, corneal topography, 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.
  • 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).
  • Assist doctors during examination as needed.  Apply eye dressings, protective shields and dispense medications as directed by the physician.  Provide patient instruction, education and assistance as required.  Always be willing to assist patients in clinic areas.  Per standard guidelines, clean exam lanes and minor surgical instruments.  Prepare for the sterilization process, either sterilizing instruments utilizing the sterilizer in the Minor Surgery Room per guidelines or preparing instruments to be sent for sterilization.  Responsible for room maintenance including periodic cleaning of exam lanes.  Keep rooms stocked with appropriate instruments, as well as necessary ophthalmic drops, per physician’s direction.

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.

 

Experience:

Two years of clinical and/or laboratory experience conducting preliminary screening and vision testing including specialized test such as refractometry and visual fields; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience. 

 

Job Related Knowledge:

  • Must be able to perform ophthalmic tests and exams as specified above. 
  • Ability to perform Goldmann Visual fields. 
  • Demonstrated ability to  use clinical diagnostic equipment. 
  • Must be detail oriented and possess excellent interpersonal and patient relations skills. 
  • Ability to multi-task and delegate workload is essential. 
  • Strong skills and background with clinic operations  including scheduling systems, and inventory control.

 

Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and related computer applications.

 

Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, excellent organizational skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills - patient advocacy skills - evaluate patient concerns for timely resolution.  Sensitivity to patient needs. Ability to work independently as well as in a team-work model. Willingness to serve as a positive and professional role model. Must have demonstrated record of reliable attendance, punctuality and proven successful performance in past and present.

 

Certificates:

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

 

Preferred Qualifications

Administrative/medical office experience preferred. Working knowledge of medical terminology highly desireable.

 

COA or COT certification preferred.

Additional Details

Must be able to travel between clinic locations using stairs, elevators and tram.  May require travel to satellite clinics.  OHSU encourages use of public transportation for commuting to and from work due to limited staff parking. 

 

Physical Demands:

Ability to work over 8 hours/day.  Periods of continous stnading throughout the day. Ability to assist patients with limited mobility during their visit, highly desirable.

  • Ability to stand for four continuous hours a day
  • Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls (specifically slitlamp and phoropter apparatus).
  • Sit or stand while examining patients' eyes.
  • Repetitive finger, hand and wrist motions.
  • See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
  • Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
  • Understand the speech of another person.
  • Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
  • Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
  • Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
  • See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
  • Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
  • Determine the distance between objects.
  • Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
  • Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
  • Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
  • Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
  • Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
  • Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

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.

Options

Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later.
Share on your newsfeed