Clinical Research Assistant / Ophthalmic Assistant

The Virginia Eye Institute is hiring!  VEI is a large and dynamic practice of ophthalmologists and optometrists in the Richmond, VA area, including eight locations and an ambulatory surgery center.  We are growing our clinical research team here at Virginia Eye Institute. We are committed to enhancing patients’ lives by delivering world class comprehensive eye care.  Part of our mission is to continuously evaluate clinical and technological advancements.  One way we are doing that is through clinical research.  Job purpose   Clinical Research Assistant / Ophthalmic Assistant will assist both the research department and the clinic as needed.  The Clinical Research Assistant will work with the coordinator to recruit and implement clinical studies for various populations.  When not working in the research department the Ophthalmic Assistant will assist ophthalmologists by obtaining medical histories, performing preliminary eye function testing and explaining to patients about medication, conditions, or procedures at the request of and under the direct supervision of the ophthalmologist. Ophthalmic assistants generally work closely with an ophthalmologist, gathering patient information necessary for the ophthalmologist to complete a diagnosis. Assistants often see the patient before the ophthalmologist, and is often responsible for preparing the patient for the exam and beginning the examination with standard tests and measurements.   Duties and responsibilities Reviews patient chart to ensure completeness and accuracy of information. Performs testing required by type of exam scheduled, patient complaint and history. May act as scribe entering data into electronic health records while physician examines patient. May oversee and assist with patient flow. Is able to take ocular and systemic medical and surgical histories. Is able to accurately take and record visual acuity. Is able to perform lensometry, refractometry, applanation tonometry, basic muscle balance testing, and confrontation visual fields. Is able assess pupils, the anterior chamber, and gross external exam. Administer diagnostic tests. Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications under the direction of the physician. Assists with in-office procedures ensuring proper informed consent is obtained, sets up and cleans up from procedures. Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures. Assists with patient education. Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of exam rooms during the work day. Assist with recruiting study participants* Prepares and coordinate study visits* Data collection and entry of patient information related to patient’s study visit, as well as documentation* Assist with patient phone calls, scheduling, and any other related task for the patient needs under research* Complies with all practice procedures and protocols. Complies with all State and Federal regulations. Understands and accepts responsibility to report potential or suspected errors to Manager or Compliance Officer. Maintains positive attitude consisting of cooperation, self-motivation, courtesy, and professionalism. *In the Research Assistant Role   Skills and Abilities   History and Documentation Visual Assessment Visual Field Testing (CVF, Amsler Grid, HVF) Pupil Assessment Tonometry (iCare, Goldmann Applanation, and Tonopen) Keratometry (manual and automated) Ocular Motility Testing * (Manual and automated) *Refraction (utilizing phoroptor, duochrome, fogging, Prince Rule, trial frame) *Retinoscopy and Refinement (at the COT and COMT level) Biometry *Supplemental Testing Microbiology Pharmacology Surgical Assisting Ophthalmic Patient Services and Education General Medical Knowledge Optics and Spectacles Contact Lens Ophthalmic Imaging Photography and Videography Equipment Maintenance and Repair Ophthalmic Coding Scribing Medical Ethics, Legal, and Regulatory Issues Blood and specimen collection such as blood draws, blood smears, urinalysis, centrifuge and pipette serum Packaging and shipping specimens and working with dry ice Train and perform EKG’s   Supplemental Testing to include:  BAT Basic slit lamp examination and angle/anterior chamber evaluation (use of lighting, filters, and stains) Pachymetry Tear Osmolarity Quickvue Adenovirus InflammaDry Color Vision Stereo Vision Maddox Rod   Education   High School Diploma, GED or comparable years of service in an Ophthalmology Clinic.  COA preferred.      Experience   The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of all technical equipment, experience in Allscripts, Medflow or E-Clinical Works. Possess strong interpersonal communications, triage skills, and be both reliable and well-organized.  Excellent opportunity for a motivated, team-oriented individual.      Work conditions   Position is full time, and split between departments.  Transferring of time is required by the associate.  Hours to be expected in research could be as minimum of 1-2 days and up to 4 days per week.  When not in the research department the associate will be expected to work in clinic as assigned.  Travel between departments and locations is required.   Physical requirements   The physical demands described 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.     Certificates, Licenses, Registrations   Basic Life Support (BLS) **Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) - Certification through JCAHPO encouraged **Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) - Certification through JCAHPO encouraged **Certified Ophthalmic Technologist (COMT) - Certification through JCAHPO encouraged Ophthalmic Scribe Certification (OSC) Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) ** See Educational differences required for each advanced level