Ophthalmic Technician- Lead in POTSDAM, New York at Rochester Regional Health

Job Title: Ophthalmic Technician- Lead

Location: St. Lawrence Hospital (49 Law Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676)

Department: Optical

Hours Per Week: 37.5 hours, Full-time, 8-hour shifts

Schedule: Monday-Friday, Day Shift

Summary
Position requires a sound understanding of ophthalmic practice and patient care, knowledge of ophthalmologic instrumentation and testing equipment, including proper care and usage. Ability to communicate with patients, co-workers, and supervisor is critical. Must be willing to help in all areas and understand the need for efficient use of time. Responsible for daily patient care and flow; managing the morning huddle (providing structure and assignments for the day, overview of previous day, including opportunities for improvement and generating statistics).

Key Responsibilities:
Technician-specific:

• Promptly and professionally assists the doctor in patient care.
• Performs technical workups, patient interviews and special testing.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of eye anatomy, disease, symptoms, and ocular meds.
• Communicates with patients regarding follow-up care, surgeries, procedures, changes in schedule, symptoms, surgery scheduling, etc.
• Maintains and cleans all equipment being used, reporting if not in working condition.
• Returns phone calls to patients and pharmacies.
• Assists in minor surgery.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Efficiently and accurately interviews patients and documents histories.
• When required, accurately performs refraction, lensometry, keratometry, tonometry, visual fields, Amster's grid testing, muscle testing, and pupil examination.
• Utilizes proper eye drop technique and sterility.
• Understands and uses proper sterile technique.
• Utilizes proper universal precaution procedures.
• Understands characteristics of common anterior segment disorders and oculoplastic conditions.
• Understands and communicates well to patients about cataract surgery.
• Understands and follows procedures for surgical and procedural consents.

Lead Technician:

• Develops the daily room schedule for providers
• Schedules daily assignment of techs
• Supervises techs
• Responsible for medication and supply ordering
• Provides ongoing training to techs
• Schedules surgeries for attending providers in conjunction with their office staff (support of the residency program)
• Monitors and completes competencies for tech staff
• Is a proactive member of the TJC readiness team
• Troubleshoots equipment issues
• Contacts vendors for assistance as required
• Participates in the evaluation of techs
• Maintains certification.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical, computer, and communication skills desired

Required Qualifications:

• Successful completion of JCAHPO ophthalmic assistant certification required.
• 3-5 years of experience preferred, or a combination of education and management/leadership experience will be considered.

Required Licensure/Certification Skills:

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light - Clinical - Light clinical roles involve frequent standing and walking, with occasional lifting of light objects (20 lbs.) and routine reaching, grasping, and fine manipulation for tasks such as patient care, laboratory work, or specimen processing. Staff rely on strong visual and auditory acuity to accurately observe specimens, read instrumentation, monitor patients, respond to alarms, and communicate effectively with care teams. Cognitive demands include multitasking, prioritizing clinical and laboratory workflows, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Emotional resilience is necessary due to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and the need for precise and compassionate interaction with patients and colleagues. Environmental exposures may include infectious materials, biological specimens, cleaning agents, sharps, chemical reagents, and wet surfaces. PPE use, TB testing, and schedule flexibility are commonly required.

PAY RANGE: $24.00 - $31.00

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, clinical licensure date, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.