Orthoptist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

6/1/2017

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

920007

Job Title:

Orthoptist

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

The orthoptist functions in the ambulatory setting performing testing and procedures related to the delivery of ophthalmology care to ambulatory patient populations.  The orthoptist is involved in the direct care of patients with comprehensive and speciality eye care needs and performs all orthoptist duties. This position provides direct patient care as delegated by the Ophthalmology Clinic Manager.  The orthoptist will draw upon their training and experience to preform optimal testing techniques under the supervision of a physician and/or optometrist.  The orthoptist will draw upon their training and experience to promote the visual health of patients.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Provide patient care under supervision of a physician or optometrist relative to the patient’s age specific needs and under various conditions.

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Conduct clinical evaluations of infant, pediatric and adult patients with amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motor dysfunction.

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Initiate documentation of the patient’s chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems and all pertinent ocular findings accurately and in accordance with compliance guidelines.

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Tests performed may include, but are not limited to: motor and sensory evaluations of strabismus, evaluation of extraocular movements, visual acuity measurements, color vision testing, lensometry, testing of pupil function.

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Make recommendations to ophthalmologist regarding amblyopia therapy, follow infants and children undergoing occlusion treatment and modify the treatment regimen as necessary to achieve treatment goals.

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Develop, monitor and implement treatment plans following evaluation of patient needs.

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Validate treatment plans with providers

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Educate patients and family members regarding their treatment plans.

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Perform specialized motility recordings (i.e. Lancaster Screen, Synptophore).

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Perform patient check in, including but not limited to obtaining and recording vital signs, height, weight, chief complaint, brief relevant history including pain status, allergies, current medication and any other pertinent information for specific age groups.

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Review medical records for up-to-date master problem list including patient reported medication, allergies, and diagnoses that are documented by physicians or providers.

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Ensure patient’s visual and auditory privacy and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

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Understand that the stress of illness may alter patient behavior and ability to follow through on plan of health care; interact with respect including situations where patient and/or family display anger or distress.

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Provide support and comfort to patients and families during clinic visits and procedures as needed, including chaperoning during sensitive examinations.

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Promote patient welfare and independence by communicating through words, actions and understanding of patients’ feelings and reactions to the healthcare environment.

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Participate in patient education by providing structured written/verbal information to patients regarding procedures, preparation for diagnostic tests, and chronic disease conditions as instructed by RN/MD, for patients not requiring special adaptations. Refer patients who require further teaching interventions to an RN or provider.

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Provide emergency care to patients when necessary using basic life support and automated defibrillator protocols, maintaining basic CPR certification.

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Document complete and accurate patient observations, care and outcomes of interventions and enter in the paper or electronic medical record.

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Report pertinent observations and information, both written and verbal, to appropriate personnel.

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Assist provider with procedures including those requiring aseptic and sterile technique

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Calibrate and maintain ophthalmologic equipment to ensure proper working order.

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Request clinic supplies, as needed

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Works with management to ensure JCAHPO and HIPAA compliance with patients seen in the clinic and with all equipment used in the clinic.

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Works with management, physicians and optometrists to ensure optimal patient flow by monitoring/enhancing clinic template

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Communicate effectively with patients/families and the clinic team.

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Interact with staff and co-workers in a manner that promotes positive working relationships.

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Function as a patient care team member contributing to individual patient care planning.

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Comply with the UWH patient satisfaction, customer service, and ambulatory care standards.

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Attend and actively participate in staff meetings.

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Support the training of the orthoptist student

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Following current isolation procedures, clean exam rooms, procedure tables, equipment and other work areas according to guidelines.

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Stock clinical workstations, all exam/procedure rooms as assigned

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Report non-functioning or defective equipment to supervisor immediately.

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Ensure all supplies are up to date and replace expired materials as necessary, including procedure trays, following reprocessing procedures.

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Demonstrate proficiency in use of the computer for all aspects of patient care and documentation.

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Facilitate the coordination of patient services within the clinic and other departments, e.g. radiology, clinical lab, etc.

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Prepare/maintain medical records, including ordering, filing, and copying when appropriate.

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Adhere to National Patient Safety goals.

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Complete all required competencies and maintain skill level.

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Maintain certification with the American Orthoptic Council

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Complete required Annual Review and Safety and Infection Control exam

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Recognize the need for continued learning by attending staff development programs

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Serve on task force/committees as requested.

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Participate in public education programs as may be sponsored by UWH and the Department of Ophthalmology.

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Participate in development and implementation of hospital outreach programs related to ophthalmology.

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Participate in community requests for patient education and designated screening programs that relate to disorders of the eye or normal eye care.

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Interview and select students for the program

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Assist with on-boarding students into the program

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Organize, coordinate and deliver teaching to the student

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Assess and monitor student progress

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Delegate teaching opportunities to other orthoptist staff

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

(Select all that apply)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree

Required

Completed an accredited orthoptist program

Preferred

Completion of an orthoptist program

Required

1 year

experience as a Certificated Orthoptist

Preferred

Certified Orthoptist

within 18 months

Required

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Good customer relation skills.

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Ability to function as a team member.

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Knowledge of Ophthalmic procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

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Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

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Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

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Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

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Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.