Ophthalmic Specialist

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

18431 (SEIU LOCAL 925 Healthcare Prof/Laboratory Tech)

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide advanced clinical expertise in ophthalmic care; provide leadership for specific clinic services and programs such as advanced slit lamp exams; refractive, laser and cosmetic surgery; orthoptic procedures such as evaluating and measuring deviations of the ocular motor system and conducting visual alignment tests; act as clinical resource for staff.

Perform a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures such as Retinal Fluorecein and Indocyanine Green Angiography, Optical Coherence Tomography and Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in a clinical setting. Participate in training medical residents, fellows, students and staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general direction, provide patient care in a specialty area such as refractive, laser and cosmetic surgery, and orthoptic assessment and treatment such as measurement of eye movement for optimum care which may include eye muscle surgery or corrective lenses. In the clinical specialty, confer with patients, explain procedures and outcomes to patients, triage patient calls and actively market the services of the clinic. Develop patient education materials and assist w/patient education. May float between sites.

Independently perform a variety of clinical diagnostic imaging procedures to include but not limited to: Retinal Fluorecein Angiography, Indocyanine Green Angiography, Digital Retinal Fundus Photography, Optical Coherence Tomography, Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy, Heidelberg Retina Tomography, Ultrasonic Biomicroscopy, Digital Photo Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy, and Digital Still Photography.

Assist physicians during clinical evaluations. Use contrast media under physician direction to view anterior and posterior segments of the human eye.

TYPICAL WORK – CLINICAL

Serve as a role model for staff through demonstration of clinical expertise in a specialized service or program;

Prepare and test the laser for refractive surgery to ensure appropriate functioning; prepare and set the laser for each patient’s procedure; perform circulating functions during refractive and/or laser surgery such as setting up the treatment room, readying equipment, preparing the patient’s eye, and positioning the patient for the procedure; evaluate the safety of the microkeratome for every refractive surgery case; perform Ascan ultra Sonography; perform advanced Slit lamp examination;

Screen and consult with potential candidates for refractive laser surgery; promote the surgical and other services of the clinic; triage patient calls, answer follow-up questions and/or refer patient calls as appropriate;

Conduct measurements and design individual treatment plans to correct and/or cope with visual eye alignment problems;

Assist in minor surgical procedures such as suture adjustments, astigmatic keratometry and wound repair, botox injection and intra vitreal injections;

Under physician direction administer topical medications, such as eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye;

Perform treatment by establishing exercise training for vision therapy;

Maintain detailed and accurate daily records of technical and statistical components of treatment;

Maintain a clean environment; sterilize instruments; and maintain and monitor the functioning of equipment;

Assist with the maintenance and calibration for complex equipment such as the Goldmann Perimater, ultrasound machines and applanation tonometers;

Utilize clinical expertise to provide planned and spontaneous learning activities to patients, families and staff; develop patient education materials;

Perform diagnostic eye examinations and procedures such as refractometry and other testing;

May perform the duties of the Ophthalmic Technician 1 and Ophthalmic Technician 2;

TYPICAL WORK – IMAGING

Review and submit patient medical history to appropriate data collection system;

Consult with the physician when appropriate and/or indicated by clinical protocol;

Adapt examination to individual patient according to physician orders and/or study protocol

Prepare patient for examination to individual patient according to physician orders and/or study protocols;

Operate diagnostic imaging equipment and monitor patient through procedure:

Operate, calibrate and trouble shoot diagnostic imaging equipment;

Assist in maintaining an inventory or supplies and evaluating new products and equipment.

Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – CLINICAL

Completion of an ophthalmic or orthoptic technician program AND four years of experience in a healthcare setting AND certification appropriate for the clinical specialty; Certified Ophthalmic Tech

equivalent education/experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – IMAGING

Completion of an approved ophthalmic technician program AND 2 years minimum Ophthalmic Imaging experience

Equivalent education/experience

Current certification by NIH/NEI for clinical trial or be eligible for certification

New Class: 4/21/00
CSR Class Conversion (mc): 06-01-05
Revised: 03-24-2008
Revised: 01-01-13 (revisions to class spec and title change from Ophthalmic Technician 3 to Ophthalmic Specialist).