An ophthalmic assistant is a person who assists an ophthalmologist with patient care and records. An ophthalmic assistant may work as a secretary or administrative assistant in a doctor’s office on occasion, but most of the time, they work directly with patients prior to their examinations. Most ophthalmic assistants only need a high school diploma for this entry-level position, and training is usually provided on the job. Some ophthalmic assistants choose to complete a certification program with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Before their scheduled appointment with the ophthalmologist, an ophthalmic assistant will meet with patients on a daily basis and take a history of their general health as well as the health of their eyes. He or she will inquire if the patients have any specific concerns they’d like to discuss with the doctor, or if they’d like to be fitted for glasses or contacts. Any questions the patient may have can be directed to the ophthalmic assistant. All of this information will be recorded in the patient’s chart by the assistant.
In addition to gathering information about the patient’s medical history, the ophthalmic assistant may conduct some simple tests on the patient to prepare him or her for the exam. These tests are straightforward and may include measurements of eye pressure, peripheral vision, field of vision, color vision, and pupil reaction and size, among other things. If necessary, ophthalmic assistants may dilate the pupils and perform other tasks as assigned by the physician.
In addition to this, some ophthalmic assistants also help with scheduling in the office. When patients call the office, they may be in charge of setting appointments for them as well as calling patients to confirm appointments. The assistant may also be in charge of maintaining and updating patient records, as well as billing duties. Sending bills, contacting various insurance companies, and applying payments to accounts when they arrive are all examples of this.
Finally, an ophthalmic assistant may be in charge of keeping the office and its equipment in good working order. If proper training has been received, he or she may be in charge of cleaning the office and equipment, stocking supplies as needed, and calibrating equipment as needed. An ophthalmic assistant typically works full-time and receives benefits; the hours are generally regular and during weekdays, making it a good choice for those seeking a steady income and regular hours without requiring extensive additional education.