Ophthalmic Assistant

Summary of Job Duties

The Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) must be able to effectively perform as part of a team. As this position requires direct patient contact, assistants must maintain compassion towards patients. The OA participates in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care to a select group of patients. Assistants refer any problems they encounter with their patients to the attending physician.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care to a select group of patients
• Refer any problems encountered with patients to the attending physician
• Provide direct patient assessment, performing measurements required to evaluate the eye
• Test and record visual acuity for patients with all levels of acuity (counting fingers, hand motion, light perception, no light perception)
• Test and record visual acuity on preliterate, illiterate, non-verbal, or foreign language patients
• Define low vision
• Test and record visual acuity using pinhole occlude
• Test and record stereo acuity
• Test and record near point of accommodation and convergence
• Test for visual acuity (distance and near) using Allen, Tumbling E, numbers, and Snellen charts
• Collect current data from an in-person patient assessment, including uses of ophthalmic medications
• Perform Amsler grid testing
• Perform confrontation fields testing
• Perform automated perimetry
• Perform Goldmann perimeter with appropriate training
• Measure intraocular pressure with hand-held applanator
• Measure intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry
• Measure intraocular pressure with non-contact tonometer
• Clean and disinfect tonometers
• Perform and record glare testing (e.g. BAT)
• Perform and record Potential Acuity Meter (PAM)
• Proper use of slit lamp
• Demonstrate use of slit lamp lenses
• Demonstrate use of pen light
• Perform and record color vision using color plates
• Perform pachymetry, measure and record fusional amplitudes
• Perform and record Maddox Rod measurements
• Order and maintain patient education materials inventory
• Assess and record anterior chamber depth with a slit lamp or pen light
• Perform and record laser tests for glaucoma/retina (OCT)
• Perform and record tear tests: Schirmer, BUT, Rose Bengal
• Clean and sterilize all required medical instruments, medical supplies, and equipment
• Ensure equipment is stored properly, maintains calibration, and accouterments are fully operational
• Ensure electronic specialty tools are turned on/off following recommended procedures

Physical Requirements

Stand: Frequently; Sit: Occasionally; Walk: Frequently; Bend, crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop or reach overhead: Frequently; Lift and carry weight: 25 lbs; Push and pull weight: 25 lbs; Use hands to touch, handle or feel: Frequently; Talk: Continuously; Hear: Continuously; Taste or smell: Occasionally; Read, concentrate, think analytically: Continuously.