GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) uses ophthalmic techniques to perform preliminary work-ups for patients of the Beaumont Eye Institute physicians. Coordinates patient appointments, with BEI clerical staff. Assists in the overall care of the ophthalmic patient, prepares exam room, inspects instrumentation, prepares instrumentation for CPD, restocking of room, provide education to patients, assists doctors, certified ophthalmic technicians (COT's) and assistants Sr. Lead Technician in the Eye Clinic, Contact Lens and Low Vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Make introductions and establish rapport with patients. Initiate patient evaluation, documenting the chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines.

2. Perform pre-exam testing to include visual acuity assessment, including pinhole and glare testing, confrontational visual field testing, assess extraocular muscles, pupillary evaluation, tonometry, assess angles, pupillary dilation, and all other patient services as requested by the physician including special tests such as color vision screening, stereopsis, and dry eye testing.

3. Perform lensometry and specialized testing such as visual fields, keratometry, A/B scans, and ophthalmic photography optical coherence tomography (OCT), Optical Biometry (IOL Master and Lenstar).

4. Perform retinoscopy and refractometry.

5. Assist with minor surgical procedures or laser treatments in the office.

6. Educate patients regarding administration of medications and pre and post-operative, as directed by physician.

7. Assist with fitting contact lenses, instruct patients in care and insertion of lenses.

8. Conduct inventory of ophthalmic supplies, including pharmaceuticals and instruments, on a regular basis.

9. Assist with maintenance of clinical examination of equipment.

10. Clean surgical instruments in preparation for sterile processing.

11. Inspect instruments periodically for damage, send for repair, and request a replacement, as necessary.

12. Check temperature of medical refrigerator daily.

13. Check expiration date and inventory of culture plates, media, etc., kept in refrigerator and replace, as necessary.

14. Open and close exam lanes daily, ensuring that equipment is wiped down in an appropriate manner, battery powered instruments are seated properly in re-charge wells, slit lamps and projectors are switched off under covers.

15. Follow all safety procedures as per guidelines.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that incumbents may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS:

1. Supports the Mission, Value and Vision of Beaumont Health (BH). Demonstrates personal commitment through active involvement in the performance improvement process.

2. Exhibits excellent customer service skills and behaviors toward internal and external customers and co-workers. Promotes positive public relations with patients/residents, family members, guests, and others.

3. Supports and adheres to all Beaumont Health’s customer service, service excellence, and performance standards. Supports and participates with all required compliance standards that may be department specific and/or identified by the organizations including in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress code.

4. Adheres to HIPAA requirements and maintains confidentiality of all data, including patient/resident, employee and operations information.

5. Supports and participates in a collaborative team oriented environment – cooperates and works together with all co-workers, plans and completes job duties, uses appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations and follows up as appropriate regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns.

6. Supports, cooperates with and demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules – including universal precautions - reports and prevents/corrects unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and departmental safety programs.

7. Completes all required compliance standards that may be department specific and/or identified by the organization.

8. Maintains current licensure, registration and/or certification, as applicable, at all times.

STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

A. Education / Training:

• High School Diploma/GED

• Completion of a COA clinical training course, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist within 12 months.

B. Work Experience:

• 2-6 months experience preferred.

C. Certification, Licensure, Registration:

• JCAHPO Certification required.

D. Other Qualifications:

• Technical & Surgical Skills.

• Certified refractive surgical LASIK assistant.

• Surgical Boarding.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

A. Physical Effort:

• Minor lifting, walking, bending, and standing.

B. Work Environment:

· Clinical setting, medical office, refractive surgical suite, medical lasers and minor procedure room

• Beaumont Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.