Ophthalmic Assistant - Head & Neck Center

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Patient Care 

• Demonstrates competence, caring and compassion when performing technical and supportive patient care skills, incorporating the patient’s plan of care and following approved policy and procedures.
• Provides explanation when obtaining vital signs or other technical skills or ocular assessment.
• Uses aseptic technique and infection control measures in the performance of duties.
• Prepares and assists patients undergoing treatment, examinations and procedures.
• Recognizes patient cares priorities, treatment plan, objectives and potential crises.
• Recognizes and communicates patient needs and unusual occurrences with physicians and patients/families.

Accurately documents and communicates interventions and measurements. 

• Communicates relevant information to appropriate health care provider.
• Under supervision, completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on patient hospital record.
  
  
  

Initiates patient work-ups in the ophthalmology clinic in a timely manner.  These work-ups may include any of the following:  

• Instills ophthalmic dilating drops/ophthalmic ointments
• Visual acuities – numbers, letters.
• Pin-hole acuities.
• Derive past medical and ocular history.
• Confrontational visual field.
• Amsler automated and manual lensometry.
• Amsler Grid Testing.
• Pupil evaluation and iris assessment.
• Recognize extra ocular muscle imbalance.
• Steropsis testing.
• Schirmer’s tear test.
• Estimation of anterior chamber depth.
• Automated perimetry.
• Goldmann tonometry.
• Tono-Pen tonometry.
• Color vision testing (Ishihara).
• Refactometry (plus cylinder utilizing both the phoropter and trial frames).
• Use of distometer.
• Reinforcement of patient education.
• Fundus, external photos.
• Performs keratrometry, photokeratometry, and corneal topography.
• Performs A scan Ultrasound Biometry.
• Performs computer entry and analysis of intraocular lens calculations and distributes results according to policy.

Assists in the maintenance of equipment, supplies and the environment.  

• Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Checks equipment/supplies for expiration dates, electrical safety tags, intactness and usability.
• Cleans equipment and returns to proper place.
• Reports equipment and supplies needing replaced or repaired.
• Stocks rooms, carts, cabinets, etc. as assigned/requested.    

Other duties as assigned