Lead Ophthalmic Technician_

Wellesley Hills

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**Job Profile** **Summary**

​This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Ophthalmology duties: Performs, prescribes, and analyzes results for the treatment of illnesses, diseases, injuries, and conditions that are related to the eye. Tasks include vision assessments, eye surgeries and advanced forms of eye disease in patients with significant systemic illness. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. A specialist level role requiring advanced knowledge of operational procedures and tools through extensive work experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Works under limited supervision for non-routine situations and may be responsible for leading daily operations, and trains, delegates and reviews the work of entry level employees and problems are typically difficult and non-routine but not complex.

**Job Overview**

This position supports the operations and practice management of the Ophthalmology clinic. Provides oversight of clinical staff, addresses operational issues, and is responsible for assisting in all clinical areas and efficiently directs the workflow of technicians to ensure smooth patient flow.

**Job Description**

**Minimum Qualifications:**

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

3. Five (5) years of practicing ophthalmic technician/scribe.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

1. Bachelor’s degree.

2. Certified Ophthalmic Tech (COT).

3. Bilingual.

**Duties and Responsibilities** **:** The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Prepares patients for the physician's evaluation by obtaining history, chief complaint, document medications, pertinent questions and necessary information.

2. Performs various screenings and diagnostic tests including, visual acuity, PAM, BAT, manual lensometry, refraction, topography's, ophthalmic ultrasound, pupil assessment, anterior depth evaluation, applanation tonometry, etc.

3. Provides work direction and guidance to staff; observe, review and provide feedback on staff performance.

4. Audits charts to ensure all documentation and necessary testing is complete.

5. Serves as a role model for staff through demonstration of clinical expertise in a specialized service or program.

6. Processes pharmacy requests, patient phone calls, and provider messages appropriately.

7. Facilitates daily operations and responsibilities of the "patient flow" within the department.

8. Acts as the first level point of contact for the providers and staff regarding troubleshooting issues.

9. Assists with provider schedules, coordination vacation requests to ensure appropriate coverage.

10. Provides first level support as the patient service liaison to research issues surrounding complaints, billing, and registration and then communicates findings to manager.

11. Ensures smooth office operations which support teamwork and generates a positive attitude between front and back-office staff.

12. Assists with recruiting, hiring, and training of department staff.

13. Provides ongoing useful, objective, and constructive input to employee performance appraisals.

14. Provides support in organizing and conducting regular staff meetings.

15. Requires adherence to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality and personal appearance.

16. Creates and develops new processes for the department.

17. Works in tandem with the tech manager/ satellite office supervisor in the design, implementation, and modification of technician workflows.

18. Assists the manager review workflows to aid in process improvement and efficient patient care delivery.

19. Actively engages in discussion and review of processes, patient flow, EMR data input and other department activities.

20. Uses process improvement tools to understand root causes, analyze work steps, remove variations and determine if improvements are needed, measured and assimilated into practice.

21. Supports, promotes, and assists patient satisfaction initiatives throughout the department and clinic as a whole.

22. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions; call for service as needed.

23. Maintains appropriate inventory levels and order supplies and minor equipment as directed.

**Physical Requirements** **:**

1. Requires prolonged standing, walking, some bending, stooping, and stretching.

2. Close contact with patients, with some exposure to blood and hypodermic needles.

3. Frequently assists visually impaired patients from wheelchairs into exam chairs.

4. Regularly escort patients to other floors within the department as needed.

5. Requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, and stretching.

6. Requires moving or lifting heavy medical equipment.

**Skills & Abilities:**

1. Proficiency and ability to work independently in all areas and provide smooth patient flow.

2. Strong computer skills, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel.

3. Knowledge of EMR systems.

4. Knowledge of laser safety, where applicable.

5. Knowledge of eye terminology, pathology, anatomy and physiology of the eye.

6. Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with patients, understand their needs, and be responsive to elderly and sensory handicapped.

7. Ability to work closely and effectively with physicians and other clinical staff, including residents, fellows, attending physicians, and nurses.

8. Excellent communication skills required to effectively explain the exam process to patients and ease their concerns.

9. Ability to work and/or monitor multiple projects and activities simultaneously.

10. Analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to recognize, assess, and diplomatically resolve various conflicts that may arise.

11. Knowledge necessary to assess the needs of patients of different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.

12. Knowledge of sterile technique.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at [email protected] .