Senior Ophthalmic Technician - 134384

The Department of Ophthalmology is comprised of 30 faculty physicians and scientists, 10 resident physicians, and 13 (include clinical and research) post-doctoral physicians and scientists and over 150 staff with 6 divisions - Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatrics, Oculoplastics, and Neuro-ophthalmology. Clinical services are provided at the Shiley Eye Center, Ratner Eye Center, Perlman Ophthalmology, Hillcrest Eye Center. The Department of Ophthalmology has the largest single outpatient clinic at the University of California, San Diego with over 110,000 visits annually. Additionally, over 5400 surgical cases are performed.

The Department of Ophthalmology is rapidly growing and looking to expand its practice at the Shiley Eye Institute and in regional satellites, including possible acquisition of existing practices.

The Senior Ophthalmic Technician and Ophthalmic Photographer plays a vital role in supporting clinical physicians by gathering essential patient information and providing advanced diagnostic imaging. Reporting to the Hospital Lab Tech Supervisor, this non-exempt position serves as a lead within sub-specialty clinics, functioning as a technical expert in ophthalmic photography and clinical procedures. Working under general direction, this position requires proficiency in capturing high-quality diagnostic images using specialized equipment, as well as providing direct patient care in a clinical setting.

Key Responsibilities

Diagnostic Imaging: Perform advanced imaging procedures, including A-scans, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) studies, Fluorescein Angiography, Indocyanine Green Angiography (Optos, Heidelberg), Slit Lamp Photography, Anterior Chamber OCT scans, Simultaneous Stereo Disc Photography, and External Photography. Ensure adherence to NIH study protocols, including obtaining necessary certifications.

Patient Care: Obtain comprehensive patient histories, including chief complaints, history of present illness, past ocular and general medical history, medication use, and allergy information, following established protocols. Measure and record visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and other vital diagnostic metrics. Administer ophthalmic drops and assist in minor procedures such as intravitreal injections and laser treatments.

Specialized Clinic Support: Serve as a lead technician in sub-specialty ophthalmic clinics. Provide technical expertise and mentorship to other staff in the use of specialized imaging equipment.

Equipment Proficiency: Operate and maintain advanced ophthalmic diagnostic and photographic equipment. Ensure imaging outputs meet high-quality standards for clinical and research purposes.

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, calmly and efficiently, and to cope with and prioritize variable workloads under variable work demands, producing laboratory results in a timely fashion.

• Demonstrated ability to perform visual acuity, measurement of eye refractive error, color vision, spectacle measurement, near point accommodation and convergence and related tests.

• Demonstrated ability to perform tonometry and field of vision tests.

• Demonstrated accuracy and efficiency in positive patient identification when performing laboratory tests and transcribing laboratory results.

• Demonstrated ability to perform OCT/OCT A tomography, Slit Lamp photography, Stereo Disc, Stereo Fundus photography, Fluorescien/Indocyanine studies and angiography.

• Knowledge of proper sterile and safety procedures in a laboratory setting.

• Knowledge of patient confidentiality regulations in accordance with State and Clinical guidelines.

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain a sanitary, safe lab and comply with state and OSHA regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of professional staff and patients with tact and diplomacy.

• Demonstrated ability to instruct and demonstrate technical procedures to physicians, lab technicians, residents and fellows.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory equipment.

• CRA certified through Ophthalmic Photographer Society. Certification for all National Institute of Health Studies which require photography for collecting data.

• Ability to perform consistent highest quality images possible (digital / film).

• Ability to capture images per NIH defined study protocols.

• Proficient on (as needed) Visx-Wavescan, Oculus-Pentacam, Cirrus HD OCT.

• Able to perform (as needed) Basic Bscan imaging (esp in the absence of fellow or attending physician for triage purposes.

• Able to perform Ascan and Keratotomy (manuel and Attomated) to aid Physician in choosing the correction needed in cataract surgery.

• Must be both currently certified as an Ophthalmic Assistant through JCAHPO.

• Must be able to work some overtime and in different locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.