Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs preliminary examinations and evaluations of patients with ocular complaints, diseases, or disorders by initiating and executing technical tests utilized exclusively in ophthalmology. Provides information to and consults with ophthalmologists who facilitate the diagnosis and eventual treatment of patients.

Qualifications

Two years of experience working in an allied health profession position in ophthalmology, or one year work experience and a JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA); and a Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card, or obtain one within one month of employment is required. Demonstrated effective human relations and effective communication skills are also required.

If the COA certification is NOT completed at the time of hire, the certification must be completed within one year of employment.

To qualify for certification at the Assistant level, you must meet one of the following three options:

• Graduated from a CoA-OMP accredited Clinical Ophthalmic Assistant program within the 12 months (one-year) prior to submitting your application.
• If you completed the program more than 12 months ago, you will need to obtain 18 JCAHPO Group A credits for each year following graduation.
• No work experience is necessary.

• Graduated from a CoA-OMP accredited Ophthalmic Assistant program within the 12 months prior to submitting your application.
• If you completed the program more than 12 months ago, you will need to obtain 18 JCAHPO Group A credits, for each year following graduation.
• Worked at least 500 hours (three months full-time equivalent) under ophthalmologic supervision within 12 months prior to submitting your application.

• Graduated from high school or equivalent.
• Successfully completed a CoA-OMP approved independent study course (e.g., JCAHPO Independent Study Course, American Academy of Ophthalmology Independent Study Course, or the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Home Study Course offered through Centennial College or Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) within the 36 months prior to submitting your exam application.
• If you completed an independent study course more than 36 months ago, you will need to repeat the course or submit 18 Group A credits for each year following completion.
• Worked at least 1,000 hours (six months full-time equivalent) under ophthalmologic supervision within 12months prior to submitting your application.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Obtains a medical history from each patient which is used to formulate a potential diagnosis by the ophthalmologist.
2. Performs diagnostic tests such as visual acuity, Schirmer tests, pupil assessment, manual keratotomy, lensometry, stereo testing, blood pressure/heart rate, color vision testing with color plates, D-15 Farnsworth and automated Munsell 100 Hue and Visual field testing with the Amsler Grid, automated perimeter, refractometry and automated tonometry.
3. Administers topical ophthalmic medication.
4. Instructs the patients regarding testing procedures.
5. Reports equipment malfunction and safety hazards, and ensures an adequate inventory of consumables and supplies for designated work area.
6. Instructs patients in ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans.
7. May perform additional advanced diagnostic testing of Goldmann visual fields, flicker fusion, contrast sensitivity, corneal topography, pachymetry, and ultrasonography.
8. May assist in providing training to other ophthalmic personnel as assigned.
9. Assists with laser procedures and ophthalmic procedures in the minor procedure room.
10. Provides patient education including instructing patients of ophthalmic conditions and treatment plans; and teaching methods of contact lens insertion, removal, and care.
11. Performs additional intermediate diagnostic testing of retinoscopy, manual (applanation, indentation) tonometry, axial length measurements, and IOL power computation.

Problem Solving

The incumbent is responsible for interpreting the reliability and validity of test results and seeks additional guidance to ascertain the next appropriate treatment procedure. The incumbent also makes decisions regarding which screening procedures and specialized tests should be applied to each patient based on symptoms as reported by the patient.

Comments

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.