Title: Ophthalmic Technician

Report to: Ophthalmic Technician Supervisor

Location: Fairfax, Falls Church, Alexandria offices

Schedule: Monday - Friday

FLSA Status: Non-exempt/Hourly

About the Role

NVOA is a busy, high-quality practice with 18 doctors and three locations in Falls Church, Fairfax, and Alexandria. We are seeking an experienced full-time Ophthalmic Technician to join our team. As an Ophthalmic Technician, you will play a vital role in assisting our adult or pediatric Ophthalmologists with examining and treating eye disorders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Take patient medical histories and conduct visual acuity screenings.
• Take measurements and document exam results.
• Conduct diagnostic testing for patients, including visual fields, OCTs, corneal topography, and A-scan/B-scan ultrasounds.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical history/records, patient information, ocular conditions, and treatment plans in EMR.
• Assist ophthalmologists during exams and procedures, including visual acuity tests, pupil dilation, and performing manifest refractions.
• Assist in administering eye drops, patching, and other preparatory tasks for pediatric patients.
• Prepare patients for exams by educating them on eye conditions and treatment options, explaining procedures and post-operation care, and answering questions as directed by the physician. Guide pediatric patients and their families during procedures, helping to ease anxiety and foster a comfortable experience.
• Complete appointment follow-up items, such as prescription refills, e-prescribing requests, etc., as requested by our physicians.
• Collaborate with the Front Desk and Admin teams to promptly schedule patient appointments, follow-ups, and surgeries.
• Ensure exam rooms are adequately stocked with supplies and patient forms by the end of the day so they are ready to use the next day.
• Handle prescription requests from pharmacies and patients promptly.
• Operating, maintaining, and sanitizing ophthalmic equipment and instruments before and after procedures.
• Prepare rooms for minor procedures and assist physicians with those procedures, as requested.
• Respond promptly to patient inquiries from phone calls, messages, and/or our Patient Portal.
• Triage complex patient calls or in-person visits regarding eye problems.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Experience and Education

• At least one year of experience as an Ophthalmic Technician is required
• High School diploma is required; completion of an accredited Ophthalmic Technician program or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is highly desirable
• Experience with electronic medical records
• Experience with visual field testing
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Patient care: the ability to work with different types of patients and handle their needs and concerns. The knowledge and skills to perform various eye tests, procedures, and treatments and educate patients on eye health and follow-up care.
• Technical skills: ability to use and maintain various ophthalmic equipment and instruments.
• Analytical skills: ability to interpret and report eye test results, diagnose eye conditions, and assist in research and quality improvement projects.
• Detail-oriented: Keep accurate documentation of all aspects of eye care.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively and confidently with patients, ophthalmologists, and other relevant parties, as well as to work as part of a team.
• Flexibility and cooperation: the desire to cooperate with business needs and willingness to be flexible to get work done.
• Ability to maintain patient flow.

Physical Requirement

• Commute to all three office locations whenever needed. (This position may require travel to 3 offices weekly.)
• Move around the practice and bring patients to different exam rooms.
• Sit in front of a desk for a period of time.
• Lift at least 25 lb. each time when needed.
• Adequate visual acuity to identify, observe, and measure ophthalmic findings.
• Able to hear and understand the normal speaking voice, alarms, and emergency signals.
• Manual dexterity and motor function to operate ophthalmic equipment.

Benefits

NVOA provides medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and generous holiday and PTO.