Ophthalmic Technician 1 - Specialty
The University of Miami, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has an exciting full time opportunity for an Ophthalmic Technician 1 - Specialty, for Refractive Services in Miami, Florida.
The Ophthalmic Technician - Specialty 1 (H) may perform ophthalmic clinical, diagnostic, or specialty-specific procedures that support the evaluation, treatment, and management of eye conditions. This role applies foundational specialty knowledge and technical skills to perform ophthalmic testing, assist with procedures, and support patient care workflows in diagnostic or procedural settings. Specific specialty focus areas are defined at the department level.
Core Job Functions
- Performs ophthalmic testing, measurements, or specialty-specific procedures in accordance with training, protocols, and scope of practice.
- Prepares patients for diagnostic studies, treatments, or procedures, explaining processes and addressing patient questions.
- Obtains and documents patient histories, clinical findings, test results, and procedural data in the electronic medical record.
- Operates ophthalmic instruments, imaging systems, or specialty equipment relevant to assigned clinical services.
- Assists physicians and care teams with examinations or procedures, including pre- and post-procedure patient support.
- Identifies and communicates abnormal findings or technical issues following established escalation protocols.
- Ensures exam rooms, procedure areas, and equipment are prepared, maintained, and compliant with safety and infection control standards.
- Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
Core Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent/relevant experience
Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required
Certification: BLS required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
- Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.
Department Specific Functions
Clinical:
- Performs all refractive evaluations including:
- Documenting patients' medical history
- Test patients' visual acuity
- Depth perception
- Color perception
- Conduct a Retinoscopy Refraction, manifest and cycloplegic
- Perform tonometry and slit lamp assessments
- Measures intraocular pressure of eyes
- Measures axial length of eye using ultrasound equipment
- Performs other tests and measurements as requested by physician i.e., PAM, Topography
- Applies drops to anesthetize, dilate or medicate eyes
- Educate patient on refractive procedures
- Collaborates on refractive clinical flow with administrative team and providers
Surgical:
- Educate patients on pre- and post-operative instructions
- Conduct pre and post op vitals
- Perform specialized imaging tests for patients
- Prep patients for surgery while
- Order and maintain clinical supplies
- Assist in all laser procedures, elective and medically necessary
- Activation and deactivation of all Lasers on J&J and Alcon platforms
- Identify proper key cards to be used with different procedures and documents use
- Identify and solve any problems by troubleshooting all laser equipment
- Perform fluency test and calibration assessment daily to assure surgical parameters and proper laser function
- Conduct sterilization of laser room, equipment and instruments
- Input all patient data into laser system and ensure proper
- Monitor gas supply and change tanks when necessary
- Order and Maintain OR supplies and medications
- Document procedures in logbook
- Preps surgical charts and nomographs for Providers
Certifications replacing JCAHPO COT exclusive to Refractive technician:
- Laser training through the vendor (J&J) and/or Alcon)
- 2,4-hour didactic courses + observation of eyes operating laser.
- Only need to complete once per laser,
- Certificate developed by vendor
- Imaging training that supports lasers (J&J) and/or Alcon
- 1,4-hour course + vendor CBLs'
- Only need to complete once per imaging modality.
- Certificate developed by vendor
- Scrub training completed Nurse clinical education department Bascom Palmer 4th floor
- Documentation of completion
- Annual competencies
- Yearly CBL certification laser safety trainings
- Developed by Jean Sanon and team (Environmental Compliance department)
- Annual CBL certification
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology
- Knowledge of eye disease and systemic diseases that affect the eye
- Knowledge of ophthalmic equipment, proper care and usage
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written
The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.
UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status: Full time
Employee Type: Staff