Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager and guided by the policies and procedures of UCSF Medical Center, Ambulatory Services, and the Department of Ophthalmology, the Clinical Technician is responsible for the efficient organization and operation of all technical functions of the practice to which he/she is assigned. This assignment may vary from day to day and requires an individual to be flexible and well-trained. The primary responsibility of the Clinical Technician is patient care, work-up, and preliminary testing in preparation for the Provider’s examination of the patient.

The Clinical Technician:

• Acts within the scope of practice an ophthalmic technician and carries out other clinical and administrative functions as directed by the Administration of the Department for any of the assigned Clinical Services, (i.e., General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ocular Oncology, Ocular Plastics, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Optometry, Refractive Surgery, and Retina/Vitreous)
• Monitors the clinical areas of the practice for patient and staff safety
• Cleans and maintains the equipment used by the practice
• Stock supplies daily and maintains the order of each day’s assigned areas
• Maintains an orderly and professional appearance in all clinic areas of the Department
• Actively pursues and attends continuing educational opportunities to ensure current knowledge in the ever-evolving role of the ophthalmic technician
• Stays abreast of changes in the field and seeks new skills and/or training as new, upgraded, or advancements in instrumentation develops

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) from IJCAHPO, or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®), or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA®)
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in clinical ophthalmology
• Advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and terminology
• Understanding of how anatomic systems and systemic disorders may affect the visual system
• Demonstrated experience in patient instruction/education
• Demonstrated ability in caring for and directing the blind or partially sighted patient
• Demonstrated experience in ophthalmic instrumentation cleaning and maintenance
• Demonstrated experience in minor surgical assisting and surgical set-up
• Possesses the ability to work intermittently standing and sitting for 8-9 hours/day
• Good communication and organizational skills, professionalism, and motivation
• Under the direction of the Manager, actively works toward JCAHO compliance
• Demonstrated experience in responding to a patient emergency while in the clinic

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT®)
• Graduate of Surgical technician training program or Sterile Surgical Technique/Assisting Certification
• ALCON Certified Refractive Technician Training
• 1 year experience as a surgical technician
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Experience with a high-volume ophthalmic refractive or corneal practice or University Ophthalmic practice

• Bilingual or multi-lingual capability

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR/BLS (including patient assessment, and vital signs)
• Must meet the eligibility criteria for JCAHPO certification and have passed COT® examination (written and Practical exam) prior to obtaining employment

Depending on the scope of practice of each individual Diagnostic/Procedural Technician, one or more of the following Certifications or Registrations may be required

• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS®), Registered Ophthalmologic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB®)
• Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant (OSA®)