Eye care assistants perform administrative and clinical duties that vary by subspecialty. They work under direction or supervision of a physician who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery and is qualified in ophthalmology. In general, they take medical histories, measure visual acuity and intraocular pressure, record vital signs, assist in patient education/compliance, prepare patients for examination by the physician, and assist the physician during the examination and/or surgery. Ophthalmic allied health professionals are not independent practitioners and do not diagnose or treat eye disorders, nor do they prescribe medications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Medical History Taking: Obtain and accurately record patient’s medical and ocular history including chief complaint, medications, allergies, and review of systems in accordance with compliance guidelines. Select and complete appropriate forms and protocol as required by the supervising ophthalmologist and/or sub-specialist. Use approved medical abbreviations. May scribe for the physician.

2. Visual Acuity Testing: Perform visual acuity testing to determine the basic ability of a person to see both near and far, with and without correction. Conduct pinhole acuity test, glare test, and potential acuity test( e.g. BAT, PAM)

3. Lensometry: Apply basic optics necessary to measure the power of corrective lenses using automated or manual lensometers.

4. Visual Field Testing: Perform confrontation visual field and screening tests using automated and/or Frequency Doubling perimetry. Detect central field abnormalities with an Amsler grid.

5. Tonometry: Demonstrate proper aseptic technique and measure intraocular pressure with non-contact, digital and/or Goldmann applanation tonometers. Calibrate TonoPen.

6. Instrument maintenance and repair: Care for, maintain, and perform minor servicing of exam room equipment. Maintain records, equipment manuals, and repair logs. Restock supplies as rooms are opened; protect and properly store instruments as rooms are closed. Replace light bulbs and fuses as needed.

7. Other Specialized Tests: Perform color vision testing with color plates. Measure pupil size and detect abnormalities in pupil reaction. Estimate anterior chamber depth with pen light. Obtain measurements using automated refractors and/or keratometers.

8. Other Patient Services: Coordinate patient flow and appointments. Apply and remove eye dressings and shields. Instill drops and ointment into patient’s eye as directed for completion of diagnostic evaluation of patient by ophthalmologist. Recognize the symptoms of allergic reactions to medications. Follow department protocol on prescription refill processing. Measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration). Provide patient education on tests – why done, when results are expected.

9. Contact Lens Assisting: Take history from the patient on contact lens wear and identify problems. Perform visual acuity with contacts. Instruct patients on insertion, removal, care, and solutions for all types of lenses. Insert trial contact lenses. Order contact lenses for patients per doctor specifications and initiate purchase orders. Maintain contact lens stock and patient files.

10.Refractometry: Enter spectacle data into a Phoropter for the supervising physician or technician.

11.Surgical Assisting: Set up and assist in non-refractive laser surgery (argon, YAG, etc.) and minor surgery. Prepare instrument tray for minor surgical procedures. Disinfect lenses and instruments that make contact with the eye. Maintain surgical instruments in accordance with OSHA standards.

12. Utilize HFHS communication and patient information systems (phone, computer, fax, pagers, email, and interoffice mail) as needed. Locate and prepare charts for daily schedule per physician protocol. Respond to phone calls, fax messages, email promptly and effectively. Document messages accurately. Notify supervising physician on care management issues.

13.Perform other related duties as required.