Ophthalmic Technician - Joslin Diabetes Center

The Ophthalmic Technician assists the ophthalmologists and optometrists in preparing patients for their appointments by taking medical/ocular histories, performing standard entrance tests, visual acuity and refraction as well as slit lamp examination of the anterior segment on patients. Will also provide support to Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Center. May also assist the ophthalmologists in various minor surgical procedures including laser treatments.

Hours are: (Monday-Friday), 8:00am - 4:30pm

Why work here!

• Work in the world’s largest center dedicated to research and care of people with diabetes
• Work and learn from the world leaders in the research, care and treatment of people with Diabetic Retinopathy. Many of the approaches to current standard of care worldwide were developed here,
• Competitive salary and benefits working in the prestigious Longwood Medical Area
• Develop long-term, caregiving relationships with many patients as you become a key part of their care team.
• Learn about and participate in ongoing clinical research that offers patients access to cutting-edge technologies and potential new therapies.
• Become part of a close-knit ophthalmic team. Receive encouragement and support to advance your credentials with CME and in house training.
• Learn to use the latest state of the art imaging instruments- some not commercially available yet.
• Become a more advanced Ophthalmic Technician.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

• Prepares patients for ophthalmologic or optometric examination by obtaining ocular and medical history and accurately entering the information into the electronic medical record.
• Performs standard entrance tests on patients, specifically, lensometry, refraction and visual acuity. Performs ocular health assessments by examining pupil responses, extra ocular muscle movements, confrontational fields and amsler grid testing. Perform slit-lamp bio microscopy of the anterior segment and applanation tonometry.  Based on the exam findings, determine and recommend further testing to the provider.
• Perform specialized testing as ordered by the provider such as color vision testing with Ishihara plates or D-15, contrast sensitivity testing, stereo vision testing and Hertel exophthalmometry. Perform Visual Field Testing using various modalities
• After successful department training will perform OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), Digital Retinal Imaging, Digital Anterior Segment Imaging, IOLMaster and ophthalmic ultrasound
• May be called on to assist optometrists with contact lens dispensing
• May be called on to assist ophthalmologists with minor in office surgical procedures or lasers.
• Will be trained to become certified to perform examinations and imaging of various types for our clinical research trials

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in an ophthalmic practice
• JCAHPO certification at level of Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is preferred and expected within 3 years of hire
• Clinical Trial Certification in refraction, optical coherence tomography and ophthalmic photography expected within the first year of hire
• Ability to lift 25lbs
• Ability to operate complex ophthalmic equipment or willingness to be trained
• Ability to perform detailed work on a consistent basis
• Ability to maintain a professional and discreet demeanor at all times when responding to patients, visitors and co-workers
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to HIPAA policy and maintain patient confidentiality
• Ability to prioritize tasks and complete work in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and to also collaborate with colleagues to address mutual concerns and participate in a solution