Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

This position performs preliminary examinations and evaluations of patients with ocular complaints, diseases, or disorders by initiating and executing technical tests utilized exclusively in ophthalmology. The incumbent provides information to and consults with ophthalmologists who facilitate the diagnosis and eventual treatment of patients. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Qualifications

Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• One of the following
• JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Technician (COT).
• A current JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).

• Three years of experience working in an allied health profession position in ophthalmology.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. 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

• Performs successfully all of the essential functions of job code 7157, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant.
• Increases clinic and physician efficiency by performing advanced testing, which may include IOL Master scan, LenStar scan, Goldmann Visual Fields, Tangent Screen Visual Fields, Manual B/P and HR, Wave Front scan, Visante Anterior Segment OCT, Contact and Immersion A Scan biometry, Retinoscopy, and FM100 Color Vision.
• Performs advanced lensometry including the identification and measuring of Fresnel, ground-in prism, slab off, and measurement and conversion of vertex distance.
• Performs intermediate ocular motility testing, including cover/uncover/alternate cover testing, Maddox rod testing, worth 4-dot test, Hirschberg, Krimsky, near point accommodation, near point conversion, and fusional convergence amplitudes.
• Makes decisions regarding which screening procedures and specialized tests should be applied to each patient based on symptoms as reported by the patient.
• Interprets the reliability and validity of test results and seeks additional guidance to ascertain the next appropriate treatment procedure.
• Assists low vision specialists, as needed.
• Maintains instruments in office through routine maintenance, cleaning, and verification of calibration.
• May perform exophthalmometry, and corneal sensitivity testing.
• May assist in collecting cultures and biopsy specimens.
• May assist in ophthalmic imaging as needed, including fluorescein angiography, endothelial cell count, and B-scans.
• May act as a scrub technician for cataract, retinal, and refractive surgeries, utilizing sterile technique, and proper care of surgical equipment.

Problem Solving

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job outlined above.
• Demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills.
• Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development.
• Ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced visual acuity testing, including optotype, ETDRS, EVA, and other special situations.

Comments

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects, such as medical equipment, while providing patient care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners or behavioral health patients.

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.