Orthoptist Job Description Sample

Job Description:

• Evaluates and diagnose ocular motility disorders, performs specialized eye tests to assess visual acuity, focusing ability, eye movement (strabismus measurements), binocular function and color vision, using such equipment as prisms and other ophthalmic instruments.

• Provide education to ophthalmic technicians, residents, medical students and other physicians regarding the sensorimotor evaluation and treatment of sensorimotor disorders.

• Assists Pediatric Ophthalmologists with the clinical evaluation of patients.

• Provide medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, and summary of chief complaint.

• Detect disorders of the eyes within children and adults which prevent normal vision. Consults with physician regarding treatment, which may involve the use of exercises and techniques to control eye movements.

• Utilize special lenses, filters, prisms and instruments to help patients correct their vision.
  4.Performs related duties, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science degree in related field, required.

• Certification in Orthoptics, required.

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.

• Minimum of two (2) years progressive experience, required. Experience working with pediatric ophthalmologists preferred.

• Certification Required

• Atleast 1 year of experience required

• Customer service skills are required

• Experience is required

• Recent experience in the specialty area is required

• Reports to the Service Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology and is responsible for evaluating and recommending treatment of patients with ocular motility disturbances. Assists Ophthalmologist in all aspects of patient care including diagnostic testing and preliminary examination. Level of knowledge of ophthalmic photography, special instruments and diagnostic techniques generally obtained through completion of a two-year orthoptic/ophthalmic medical technologist program. Work requires certification as an orthoptist/ophthalmic medical technician with two years experience as an orthoptist including some teaching experience. Knowledge of the use and maintenance of orthoptic instruments, visual field instruments and general ophthalmic instruments. Teaching skills necessary in order to administer a two-year training program for orthoptic/ophthalmic technician students. Analytical skills necessary to determine method of patient evaluation in order to recommend treatment. Interpersonal skills needed to interact with pediatric and adult patients and referring ophthalmologists. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of adult and pediatric patient populations in order to provide care appropriately.

Job Details

Orthoptists evaluate and treat patients with disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision and eye movements. Orthoptists are uniquely skilled in diagnostic techniques. A member of an eye care team working with patients who have eye problems and deals especially with problems related to: ocular motility (eye movement); binocular vision; amblyopia (lazy eye); strabismus (squint). May be required to follow and observe provider(s) for intermittent or extended periods of time to accurately document every aspect of the patient encounter as well as assist with the efficiency of the provider(s) by complying with the location-specific workflows.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree required. Graduate of an accredited orthoptic 24 month fellowship in the United States.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 2-3 years of related experience in a clinic environment. Technical understanding, diagnostic ability, and therapeutic skills required.

Ability to work well with young children, including those with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Obtain national certification granted by the American Orthoptic Council upon successful completion of both written and oral/practical board examinations.

EEO/AA

CentraCare Health has made a commitment to diversity in its workforce and all individuals, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Become part of one of the nation's leading academic medical centers. You will find your work in the UW Health Ophthalmology Department both rewarding and challenging.

We are seeking an Orthoptist to:

• Join our eye care staff that are national leaders in treating conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, eye tumors, neuro-ophthalmic disorders and pediatric eye disorders.

• Conduct clinical evaluations and testing and develop treatment plans for infant, pediatric and adult patients.

• Provide quality care in a compassionate and patient-family centered environment.

• Promote healthy life styles, wellness and education.

This position will be required to travel between clinics to cover Orthoptist need. Travel will be between the East Clinic, Deming Way Clinic and University Station Clinic. The primary clinic will be University Station Clinic.

Education:

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred

• Completed an accredited Orthoptist program

Work Experience:

Minimum

• Completion of an orthoptist program

Preferred

• One (1) year experience as an Certificated Orthoptist

Licenses and Certifications:

Minimum

• Within 18 months of hire will achieve Certified Orthoptist

Preferred

• Certified Orthoptist

Physical Requirements:

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. Work hours are Monday through Friday. Clinic typically starts at 8:00 AM and runs to 5:00 PM

UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Learn more about this opening

UW Hospital and Clinics benefits

UW Health values and embraces diversity and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Job Description:

• Evaluates and diagnose ocular motility disorders, performs specialized eye tests to assess visual acuity, focusing ability, eye movement (strabismus measurements), binocular function and color vision, using such equipment as prisms and other ophthalmic instruments.

• Provide education to ophthalmic technicians, residents, medical students and other physicians regarding the sensorimotor evaluation and treatment of sensorimotor disorders.

• Assists Pediatric Ophthalmologists with the clinical evaluation of patients.

• Provide medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, and summary of chief complaint.

• Detect disorders of the eyes within children and adults which prevent normal vision. Consults with physician regarding treatment, which may involve the use of exercises and techniques to control eye movements.

• Utilize special lenses, filters, prisms and instruments to help patients correct their vision.
  4.Performs related duties, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science degree in related field, required.

• Certification in Orthoptics, required.

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.

• Minimum of two (2) years progressive experience, required. Experience working with pediatric ophthalmologists preferred.

Salary: $50,956-$70-095

Status: Full Time, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 37.5 hrs

School: School of Medicine

Department: Ophthalmology

Location: School of Medicine Campus

Location City: Baltimore

Location State: MD

General Description

Under direction from and consultation with Ophthalmologist, performs diagnostic tests and treats patients with eye muscle disorders and pediatric eye diseases. Assists in teaching pediatric ophthalmology fellows, residents, and medical students.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for evaluation and diagnosis of ocular motility disorders, using such equipment as prisms and other ophthalmic instruments.

• Provides non-surgical treatment of specific eye muscle disorders, e.g. amblyopia, convergence insufficiency, diplopia, and strabismus.

• Assists in instruction of pediatric ophthalmology fellows, residents, and medical students in methodology of examination and treatment of strabismus disorders. Prepares lectures and handouts for medical students.

• Performs duties of Ophthalmic Technician II - Takes patient ocular and medical history, including medications and allergies. Measures and records both distance and near visual acuity; Neutralizes glasses using a lensmeter or other appropriate equipment. Tests color vision and depth perception; Screens for presence of strabismus; Checks pupillary response to light, accommodation, and for presence of an afferent pupillary defect; Performs slit lamp examination; Screens for glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure using applanation tonometer. Performs refraction and retinoscopy using retinoscope, phoropter, loose lenses, and automated refractor; Checks central and peripheral visual fields using Amsler Grid, Goldman perimeter or Humphrey visual field machines; Performs keratometry. Instills eye drops under physician's direction; Schedules appointments for staff and clinic, when appropriate.

• Staffs the resident pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus clinic as required, including supervising the examination of both pediatric and adult strabismus patients, corroborating diagnoses, and implementing treatment plans as well as didactic reinforcement of day's cases with the resident.

• Responds to consultations from residents at all levels on patients with symptomatic strabismus and double vision.

• Teaches and interacts with visiting orthoptic students (including international) on methodology of examination and treatment of strabismus disorders as practiced at the Wilmer Institute.

• Provides lectures to technical personnel during technician grand rounds, held quarterly or semi-annually within the Wilmer Eye Institute.

• Teaches individual medical students during clinic, providing evaluation of the student's performance during the rotation.

• Prepares reports on patients and treatments. Maintains health records.

• Participates in research projects as directed by Ophthalmologist.

• Contributes case presentations to residents and attending physicians during Pediatric Grand Rounds lectures as well as preparing and presenting papers from the current literature during monthly pediatric journal clubs.

• Present courses at both regional and national meetings of several professional associations, including the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

• Serve as certified study coordinators for various national based clinic trials, including enrolling patients, collecting data, communicating with study centers and attending study coordinators' meetings.

• Assists in management of pediatric ophthalmology clinics, which includes scheduling appointments, billing, ordering supplies, maintaining files, stocking exam rooms, maintaining ophthalmic equipment, etc.

• Sorts, labels, duplicates and files patient photographs and slides.

• Completes a weekly inventory of all exam rooms for equipment and pharmaceutical supplies.

• Completes extensive additional sensorimotor examination on complicated motility patients, performing tests such as Lancaster red-green evaluation and duction assessment with arc perimeter.

• Phone triage of patients needing eyeglass prescriptions and patient education.

• Performs ocular motor and sensorimotor examinations on patients from internal and external referring ophthalmologists, giving possible diagnosis and recommendation treatment plan from orthoptist point of view.

• Assists with minor surgical in-office treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, adjustable sutures, and Tensilon tests. Assist at surgery when needed.

• Performs manual kinetic and automated perimetry.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field required. Certification by the American Orthoptic Council is required and must be maintained throughout the duration of employment. If not certified, must obtain American Orthoptic Council certification within 6 months of hire. In addition, certification as Ophthalmic Tech is preferred. Work requires professional level of knowledge of orthoptics as acquired through completion of Bachelor's Degree and orthoptic training. Requires acquisition of current understanding of ocular motility disorders and their treatment, through continuing education and re-certification by the American Orthoptic Council. Must have analytical ability necessary to assess test results and perform additional tests depending on assessment. Must have interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with patients and to instruct students and residents in methodology of strabismus. Ability to work with sometimes fearful children and modify examination depending on cooperation. Ability to travel to a satellite office at least once per week.

School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus

SUMMARY

We are seeking at full-time Orthoptist to join our Eye Clinic care team. This is position is a 1.0 FTE (10) 8-hour day/ evening/ every other weekend shifts per 2-week pay period.

Under direction of Ophthalmologist, performs diagnostic tests for visual acuity, alignment, refraction for use by ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and care of diseases of the eyes. This position will specialize in care for our pediatric and strabismic patients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and diagnose complicated strabistmic and pediatric patients

• Perform complicated strabismic measurements on strabistmic and pediatric patients

• Diagnosis and manage amblyopia

• Perform orthoptic exercises

• Perform advanced sensorimotor testing

• Obtains and documents medical and ophthalmic history of patients

• Performs and documents a wide range of diagnostic tests and studies such as visual, acuity, refraction, central field and peripheral field testing

• Performs tests for color vision, fusion, biometric ruling, retinal correspondence, intra-ocular pressure, corneal sensitivity, pupillary reactions and diagnosing glaucoma

• Performs slit lamp photography and diagnostic ultrasound

• May administer ophthalmic medications

• Operates and maintains appropriate medical or diagnostic equipment

• Assists in the planning and selection of new equipment

• May assist with clinic research studies

• Orients medical residents in basic ophthalmic examination techniques

• May triage patient calls and walk-in patients as appropriate

• Manage patient care between clinic visits

• Performs related work as required, but only after appropriate training

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Completion of an Orthoptist program accredited by the American Orthoptist Council (AOC)

• OR-

• An approved equivalent combination of education and experience.

License/Certifications:

• Current certification as an Orthoptist by the American Orthoptist Council (AOC)
• Newly hired or promoted Orthoptists who are not certified must begin the process within six (6) months of hire or promotion, and must pass the national certifying exams within one (1) year of hire

Please click on the link below to open and review the detailed job description and minimum qualifications:

Orthoptist

• Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

• Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

• The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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Orthoptics is an ophthalmic field pertaining to the evaluation and treatment of patients with disorders of the visual system with an emphasis on binocular vision and eye movements. Orthoptists are uniquely skilled in diagnostic techniques.

Orthoptists commonly work in pediatric ophthalmology settings. Orthoptists serve patients of all ages, but because of the nature of many binocular disorders, the majority of patients are children. Adult care in the field of Orthoptics is uniquely challenging and rewarding, found in settings of ophthalmology specific to neuro-ophthalmology and adult eye muscle disorders. Orthoptists are key members of a team whose goal is to provide evaluation, understanding and treatment to children and adults with disorders affecting visual function. Orthoptics combines diagnostic ability, technical understanding and therapeutic skills. This health care profession encourages decision-making and an active involvement in patient care.

Certified Orthoptists at PAMF will work under the direction of the Ophthalmologist

Requirements:

• Must be a graduate of a 4 year college followed by being a graduate of a nationally recognized Orthoptic Fellowship program and be certified (or eligible for certification) by the American Orthoptic Council

• Current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association

• Knowledge, understanding and ability to operate visual testing equipment

• Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy