Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

Job Description:

• Uses autorefractor and lensometers
• Performs visual field tests, visual acuity, and pinhole tests
• Performs brightness acuity measurement as requested
• Performs Schirmer's tests as ordered
• Monitors patient flow
• Acts as a scribe when needed
• Informs patients of the purpose of all tests performed, and how the patient will be affected by such tests
• Obtains patient history, including chief complaint, history of present illness, past history, family history, and history of allergies and medications
• Performs accurate and consistent documentation and measurement tasks, including visual acuity, manual lensometry, confrontational visual fields, stereo testing, evaluation of motility, pupillary function tests, color plates, applanation tonometry/tonopen, refractometry, angle assessment, dilation of pupils, contact lens evaluations, optic nerve scanning, pachymetry, corneal topography
• Provides back-up to the ophthalmic photographer regarding fundus, exterior, and anterior segment photos
• Performs duties consistent with ophthalmic writer/scribe
• Assists physician with laser procedures
• Assists physician with minor surgery, maintaining practice standards of sterile technique and infection control
• Determines which patient should be taken next from the waiting room to have testing initiated
• Escorts all patients from the waiting room
• Advises patients as to who will see them following testing and makes patients comfortable during the wait
• Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required
• Provides telephone support regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and patient care questions
• Communicates with reception to facilitate proper patient flow
• Reviews the use of Amsler grid testing with patients for at-home monitoring
• Reviews physician-generated instructions with patients
• Provides appropriate patient education materials as directed by the physician
• Ensures that exam rooms are tidied between patients, including cleaning sinks and sanitizing equipment
• Seeks advice from more senior staff as necessary, never performing beyond capabilities
• Maintains cleanliness in exam and procedure rooms
• Maintains backup levels of stocks in exam and procedure rooms
• Cleans all lenses used by doctors
• Prepares for COA exam and completes exam after being employed by practice one year
• Performs other duties as required
• Must be able to cover numerous late nights a month and travel to other offices when needed

Requirements:

• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology
• Demonstrated, advanced comprehension of the ophthalmic assistant skills as outlined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO)
• Basic understanding of optics
• Demonstrated comprehension of the principles of optics, refraction, and contact lenses
• Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive workups
• Positive team member
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic personality with concern for patients' needs
• Strong organization with attention to detail
• Demonstrated computer literacy

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology preferred

Additional Information:

The Medical Assistant is a full-time position that offers benefits.