Ophthalmic Assistant

Under direct supervision and with technical direction from ophthalmologist, assists in performance of variety of technical, treatment, patient-attending, and related clerical duties.  Administers approved medications taking appropriate precautions in accordance with policies and departmental procedures. Assists practitioner with minor surgical procedures. Performs routine ophthalmic testing procedures under guidance of supervising physician.

• Performs all patient care activities under personal supervision of ophthalmologist until completed American Academy of Ophthalmology Independent Study Course and deemed competent. Performs under direct supervision thereafter.


• Directs, escorts or wheels patient into treatment/examination room. Explains test procedure and reviews written material/instructions.


• Records reason for visit, history of present illness, review of systems and ocular findings.


• Upon successful completion of KP Hawaii clinical competency requirements for NAP medication administration, administers authorized medications per regional policies under delegation of Registered Nurse.


• Per written guidelines, observes patient for unusual conditions. Alerts practitioner or RN of any unusual findings, conditions, or concerns.


• Preps patient and performs routine ophthalmic procedures, including but not limited to visual acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, keratometry, testing pupil function, tonometry, automated perimetry, and visual field testing.  Performs other objective ophthalmic testing and automated image capture as assigned and under guidance of supervising ophthalmologist.


• Preps patient for minor surgery procedures and laser treatments in office. Assists practitioner by setting up sterile and unsterile fields. Prepares appropriate equipment and examination area. Removes and applies dressings as directed.


• Reviews written post treatment instructions for care or medication self-administration. Documents care given in medical record.


• Records test results in medical record. Checks chart for completeness.


• Performs clerical and receptionist functions according to policies and procedures. Pends requests for prescription refills and forwards to physician.


• Maintains equipment and supplies in clean, orderly, safe and usable condition. Calibrates equipment according to manufacturers specifications. Reports malfunctions to Bio-Medical Department and practitioner. Inventories and orders supplies to assure adequate stock. Inventories and maintains surgical instruments in accordance with OSHA standards. Inventories and maintains medications.


• Opens and closes exam lanes daily, ensuring equipment is cleaned and disinfected in appropriate manner, battery-powered instruments are seated properly in recharge wells, slit lamps and projectors are switched off and are under covers.


• Follows safety and infection control standards.


• Gathers, collates and/or completes department data to assist ophthalmologist in special studies and research. Participates in educational conferences as requested.

Qualifications:

• One year ophthalmic area experience or related field.

• High school diploma.


• Completion of Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) approved formal or home study ophthalmic assistant program (must be successfully completed within 6 months of hire).


• Completion of the Kaiser Permanente Pharmacological and Med Admin training (must be successfully completed within probationary period)

• Basic Life Support from American Heart Association

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, change management, customer service, interpersonal relations, oral communication, results orientation, teamwork, and written communication.

• N/A