**Refractive Research Technician: Detailed Responsibilities**

The role encompasses the following key responsibilities:

- Conduct initial medical screenings for patients, which include comprehensive history taking, evaluation of distance and near visual acuity (with and without correction or pinhole testing), assessment of pupillary light reflex, and application tonometry. Also, assist in various aspects of patient care.

- Triage patients requiring urgent attention based on clinical assessment.

- Address or escalate patient inquiries and provide support during examinations as a chaperone when necessary.

- Establish and maintain a sterile field while assisting in minor surgical procedures such as PRK, LASIK, and other refractive surgery modalities.

- Execute ophthalmic diagnostic studies including auto refraction, keratometry, tonometry, visual field analysis, pachymetry, specular microscopy, ophthalmic photography, potential acuity testing, and brightness acuity assessments, among others.

- Utilize and maintain various ophthalmic instrumentation, including autorefractors, phoropters, both auto and manual keratometers, tonopens, Humphrey and Goldman visual field machines, corneal topographers, A-scan devices, pachymeters, specular microscopes, ophthalmic photography systems, slit lamps, potential acuity meters, brightness acuity tests, color vision plates, stereo vision tests, and personal computing systems.

- Educate and collaborate with PRK staff, Ophthalmology Clinic residents, and other technicians to optimize day-to-day clinic operations, including inventory management of examination supplies.

- Participate in clinical training initiatives, such as laser certification wet labs, optometrist co-manager certification courses, and resident educational programs.

- Oversee Excimer laser responsibilities, ensuring thorough equipment and instrument inventory management and upkeep.

- Support clinical research protocols by consenting participants, assisting in the completion of study documentation, verifying and auditing research records, extracting data, and managing animal handling within research contexts.

- Demonstrate agility in adapting to new technology, testing equipment, and procedures as they are implemented for the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program.

- Carry out administrative and clinical support tasks, including filing and phone reception duties.

**Work Schedule:** Monday to Friday, with a 9-hour shift scheduled between 5:30 am and 6:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch break.

**Minimum Qualifications:**

- **Education:** High School Diploma or equivalent.

- **Experience:** At least 3 years in an Ophthalmology department or equivalent setting with a focus on PRK patient evaluations.

- **Required Knowledge:**  1. Comprehensive understanding of refractive surgery principles as well as pre-operative and post-operative patient management.

 2. Familiarity with clinic regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to patient interactions, telephone inquiries, and visitor management.  

3. Proficiency in navigating patient records to retrieve pertinent medical information and data for patient care.  

4. Knowledge necessary for requisitioning equipment, supplies, and services. -

**Clinical Certification:** Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or a higher certification from JCAHPO.

- **Life Support Certification:** Current certification as an American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider. - **Security Clearance:** Ability to pass a Government background check/security clearance.