Orthoptist Job Description Sample

Overview

General Summary of Position Responsibility:

This position provides comprehensive clinical sensorimotor evaluation and visual assessment of ophthalmology patients with ocular motility dysfunction or related neuromuscular anomalies. Services include basic diagnostic evaluation, planning and implementing appropriate orthoptic treatment programs and follow up for selected patients under the supervision of attending physician in a variety of clinical settings (hospital and satellite offices).

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

Evaluates each assigned patient in terms of current or potential problems with vision, muscle balance, binocular sensory relationships, or related ocular disorder. Provides fundamental assessment of fusional ability and potential, including use of specific diagnostic instruments.Administers eye drops.Plans and implements treatment programs for selected patients based on evaluation results.Re-evaluates on-going therapy, instituting appropriate changes in the management plan.Provides instruction to parents and patient regarding the rationale and methods necessary to carry our therapy.Assists in other patient care.

Completes required documentation of examination and therapy visits and patient reports in the Electronic Medical Record and/or paper chart.Participates in assigned clinics, rounds, meetings and conferences. Complies with American Orthoptic Council Code of Ethics.Participates in in-services, including educational activities for the ophthalmology team.Functions as an effective member of the health care team by interacting appropriately with families, physicians, staff and others within and outside the Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center system.Instructs and oversee students, residents and fellows and community. Participates in maintaining work area and equipment in appropriately clean and safe order.Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Bachelor's degree in Science or Arts from an accredited college or university is required. Diploma from Accredited Orthoptic Training Program and current certification or eligibility for certification by the American Orthoptic Council is required.Minimum of two years experience as an Orthoptist preferred.Vision and binocularity normal or correctable to normal.

Ability to move patients weighing 5 to 40 pounds. Ability to effectively communicate with hospital/department staff and parents and patients.Upgrades own knowledge base through continuing education, attending professional meetings, and literature review.Maintains a professional attitude towards patients and their families, colleagues and support staff.

DescriptionJOB DESCRIPTION: The Orthoptist works in partnership with the Pediatric and Neuro Ophthalmology team to see patients, perform and analyze measurements, and assist in delivering the ideal patient experience.

Examine established patients independently and in collaboration with the attending physician. Evaluate and treat patients with non-surgical disorders of ocular motility and complaints relating to binocular function. Evaluate and monitor patients with surgical disorders and ocular motility.

Perform comprehensive sensorimotor evaluations. Analyze and interpret diagnostic tests in order to plan surgical/non-surgical treatment for patients. Educate clinical staff, medical students, and Ophthalmology residents didactically and practically on ocular motility and binocular function.

Perform or assist with research projects to be published or presented at local, regional, or national meetings. Respond to phone inquiries and forms from patients, parents, referring physicians, and agencies pertaining to patient care. Provide clear and concise patient instructions and counseling.

Increase volume of patients that receive clinical care per clinic day and an associated increase in physician's surgical base. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree from a four year accredited college or university and diploma from accredited Orthotic training program required.

Five years of related experience which can include a two year Orthoptic internship required. Board certified by the American Orthoptic Council required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:

Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

The Senior Ophthamlic Technician will perform visual fields, visual acuity testing, orthoptic motor and sensory evaluations, objective and subjective refraction and other technical evaluations (e.g. ophthalmic Photography (fundus and external), ERG, OCT, A- and B-Ultrasonography, Pachymetry) as requested. Will assist physicians to perform special procedures and difficult examination techniques.

Will maintain inventory of examination lenses, instruments, fixation targets, eye drops, etc. Will ensure equipment and instruments are in top-notch running condition and coordinate maintenance/repairs with Bio-medical Engineering and other appropriate departments. Will order and dispense contact lenses to patients.

Will work closely with the full-time staff, fellows, residents, orthoptists and other ophthalmic technicians/assistants. Will assist with orientation and instruction of Residents/Fellows to perform ophthalmic examinations and with prospective and retrospective clinical studies. Will have a major role in "Running" the Eye Clinic" and ensure a smooth flow of patients.

Will oversee assignment of Technical Staff to different clinics (SZ Main Campus and Regional Out-patient Centers). Will be in-charge of coordinating the Grand Rounds and the different visiting Professorships.Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Specific Requirements and Preferences

HS diploma or equivalent. Ophthalmic assistant, technician or technologist training. .

Minimum Work Experience
5 years

Specific Requirements and Preferences

Minimum of five years, preferred. Pediatric ophthalmology clinic training or work experience. .

Required Skills/Knowledge

Clinical experience and academic interest. Retinoscopy, Goldmann and Humphrey perimetry, Ocular Coherence tomography competence is required. Good communication skills with patients, parents, coworkers and physicians are essential.

Functional Accountabilities

Patient Services
1.Perform visual fields and visual acuity testing as requested. Perform objective and subjective refraction and other technical evaluations (e.g. Ophthalmic Photography (fundus and external), ERG, OCT, A- and B-Ultrasonography, Pachymetry when applicable).
2.Perform orthoptic sensory evaluations.
3.Assist physicians in performing special procedures and difficult examination techniques.

Training
1.Assist with orientation and instruction of residents and fellows in performing ophthalmic examinations.

Inventory
1.Maintain inventory of examination lenses, instruments fixation targets, eye drops, etc.
2.Ensure equipment and instruments are in top-notch running conditions and coordinates maintenance and repairs with Bio-medical Engineering and other appropriate departments.

Supplies
1.Order supplies for clinics and dispenses Contact Lenses to patients

Supervisory Duties
1.Have a major role in "Running" the Eye Clinic" and ensure a smooth flow of patients.
2.Oversee assignment of Technical Staff to different clinics (SZ Main Campus and Regional Out-patient Centers).
3.Coordinate the Grand Rounds and the different Visiting Professorships.

Organizational Accountabilities

Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)

Organizational Commitment/Identification
1.Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication
1.Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior
2.Partner with all team members to achieve goals
3.Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving
1.Contribute to a positive work environment
2.Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change
3.Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes
4.Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility
1.Use resources efficiently
2.Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety
1.Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance
2.Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation
3.Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation
4.Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication
5.Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers
6.Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance