Ophthalmic Assistant/Photographer - Ophthalmology - Full Time

Position Summary

The Ophthalmic Assistant/Photographer position is centered on advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing, while also supporting the team with basic patient work-up when needed.

The role’s primary focus is to perform advanced ophthalmic photography and ancillary diagnostic studies, which require both technical expertise and a strong understanding of ocular anatomy, physiology and pathology. The employee is expected to understand day-to-day ophthalmology operations, assist physicians as needed, and stay current as new diagnostic technologies and studies become available. Basic patient work-up is part of the role, even though the position is framed around photography/diagnostics. Direct clinical support is an intentional and important expectation of the job.

Education, Licensure, and Certification 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• The role appears designed to accommodate both experienced ophthalmic professionals and trainable candidates. For applicants who are not already certified, the organization requires completion of:
  • Ophthalmic Scribe Certification (OSC) within 6 months of hire
  • AAO Home Study Course within 6 months of hire

Experience

• Preferred backgrounds include certification as an Ophthalmic Photographer, Ophthalmic Technician, Ophthalmic Assistant, or 2 years of clinical experience in ophthalmology or optometry
• Consideration open to candidates from medical office, clinical, dental, or nursing assistant backgrounds

Essential Functions

• The primary duty is to perform, document, and report ophthalmic diagnostic studies. The employee is also responsible for basic maintenance, software upgrades, and data backup on diagnostic equipment according to protocol. This indicates ownership not just of testing itself but of the reliability and functionality of the equipment and associated systems
• Obtain and document patient history, chief complaints, and collect clinical information including Comprehensive medical, medication, allergy, family, and social history for provider review and perform a brief work up.
• Administer medications (e.g. eye drops) per scope of practice
• Educate patients, explain tests, and help patients complete studies as directed by providers. 
• The role serves as a liaison between patients, providers, and ophthalmology staff, reinforcing that strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Monitor diagnostic schedules for efficiency, orders, and errors, and coordinate changes with PSS and clinical teams based on provider preferences and department protocols. 
• Maintain inventory of supplies and pharmaceutical products, checking expiration dates, and following established policies. 
• Maintain cleaning, sterilizing, disinfecting, and maintenance of ophthalmic exam room and ancillary equipment. 4. Team support and departmental coverage

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff training and onboarding
• Attend required staff and educational meetings
• Provide coverage to all providers across locations as needed
• Support departmental workflow and collaboration

The pay range is $19.87 - $31.48/hour based on experience.

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Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.

The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.