LPN Ophthalmic Technician

## Description

**MAIN FUNCTION**

The Ophthalmic Technician (LPN) provides clinical support to the provider by performing advanced data-collection, diagnostic testing, and patient care functions in accordance with NC LPN scope of practice. This individual assists in the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality ophthalmic care and ensures accurate, timely clinical documentation to support appropriate medical decision-making.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solver with analytical skills.
• Personable; empathetic with patient’s needs and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive work ups on 2-3 patients per hour
• Well-organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Willing to travel to satellite locations.

**JOB QUALITY REQUIREMENTS**

1. **Communication & Patient Care**

• Interact with all patients and colleagues with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
• Guide patients through clinic procedures and explain the purpose of all tests performed.
• Obtain comprehensive patient history, including:
• - Chief complaint
• History of present illness
• Past ocular and medical history
• Medication and allergy review
• Family and social history
• Perform accurate and consistent documentation and clinical measurements, including:
• Visual acuity
• Lensometry
• Applanation or iCare tonometry
• Confrontation visual fields
• Stereo testing
• Motility evaluation
• Pupillary assessment
• Color vision testing
• Refractometry (manifest and automated)
• Angle assessment (van Herick)
• Pupil dilation and instillation of topical medications per LPN scope and physician order
• Schirmer’s testing
• Amsler grid testing
• Humphrey Visual Field testing
• Perform additional testing as required by the provider.
• Provide patient education as needed.
• Administer medications per NC LPN scope (topical ophthalmic, IM/PO/SC per provider order) and perform delegated clinical tasks consistent with licensing requirements.
• Serve as an ophthalmic scribe when assigned, documenting examination findings and assisting with treatment plan documentation.

1. **Coding and Documentation Support**

• Learn basic coding concepts related to ophthalmic services and modifiers.
• Ensure visit documentation supports appropriate E/M or eye code billing.
• Maintain accuracy in documenting diagnostic testing, physician findings, and orders.

1. **Administrative and Clinical Support**

• Recognize when assistance or clinical guidance is required; never perform beyond scope or competencies.
• Maintain exam room organization, cleanliness, and supply levels.
• Assist in maintaining regulatory and accreditation compliance, including OSHA, HIPAA, and medication handling standards.
• Support clinic flow to ensure timely and efficient patient care.
• Perform other duties, as required.

1. **Work Culture and Professionalism**

• Demonstrate teamwork, flexibility, and positivity in daily interactions.
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.
• Acknowledge diverse perspectives and contribute to a respectful work environment.

1. **Continuous Learning / Training / Employee Development**

• Participate in ongoing training, in-services, staff meetings, and continuing education.
• Maintain competencies related to ophthalmic testing and LPN practice standards.
• Stay current on changes in ophthalmology, eye care technology, and clinic procedures.

1. **Language Skills**
2. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
3. Ability to write simple correspondence.
4. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
5. **Triage**
6. Determines which patient should be taken next from the waiting room to have testing initiated
7. Escorts patients from the waiting room for the data collection
8. Following testing, advises as to who will see them next and makes them comfortable during the wait
9. Maintains a smooth flow of patients to the physician, altering the test sequence as required
10. Escorts patients from the clinical area to the check-out station or optical dispensary, when necessary
11. Addresses all clinic callbacks by the end of the session in which they were received; insuring proper chart documentation
12. Under direction of physician, may call pharmacy with either new or prescription refills which will be properly recorded in patient’s chart
13. **Screenings / Health Fairs**
14. Assists in screenings and health fairs as needed.

**LANGUAGE SKILLS**

• Ability to read, write, and interpret medical instructions, provider orders, correspondence, and EMR documentation. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff.

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