Orthoptist

Department Overview

The Elks Children's Eye Clinic at Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology at OHSU, is currently seeking a full-time certified or board eligible orthoptist to work with our current group of 7 Pediatric Ophthalmologists, 2 Pediatric Optometrists, 1 Pediatric Fellow and 7 Orthoptists.

As an academic department, we have a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training program and are involved in the ophthalmology residency training. We are a study site for the Pediatric Eye disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and also have an AACO approved orthoptic training program. Our primary goals are providing excellent patient care, education, and reserach. The orthoptists evaluate and assist in treating pediatric and adult patients with strabismus seen in the pediatric ophthalmology practice or referred from other Casey Eye providers, co-manage patients undergoing amblyopia treatment, perform strabismus exams for clinical trials, and teach basic exam skills to medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows. Additionally, all the orthoptists participate in clinical and didactic teaching to the orthoptic student.

Function/Duties of Position

Clinical (Orthoptic specific, General Ophthalmology, and Electronic Health Record documentation) - Perform sensorimotor exam and any orthoptic specific testing needed on all new patients and select return patients in the pediatric division prior to examination by the physician. Make diagnosis and treatment recommendations directly to supervising physicians.  Evaluate select return patients independently (under indirect supervision) and make evidence-based changes to treatment plan based on findings. Devise therapeutic plans for select returning amblyopia and strabismus patients and perform office treatment and monitor progress. Educate patients/parents on binocular vision diagnoses. Direct and assign home therapy for the treatment of amblyopia and strabismus.

Conduct the initial phase of scheduled new and return patient’s ophthalmic examination including obtaining history, measuring visual acuity, tonometry, axial length, and other ocular vital signs and measurements.  Assists with minor surgical in-office treatments such as Botox injections and adjustable sutures.

Accurately document all pertinent exam information in electronic health record (EHR).  Create an assessment outlining pertinent assessment and plan for patients undergoing a sensorimotor exam for binocular vision disorders. Associate billing codes with diagnoses in orthoptic visit encounters and accurately submit to the supervising physician for approval. Enter orders within EHR for necessary diagnostic testing procedures and medication initiation and refills.

Education and Precepting - Our orthoptic training program is a two-year graduate level program accredited by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC).  To meet the accreditation requirement, orthoptists support the program by precepting the orthoptic students.  In addition, orthoptists prepare and administer lectures and other educational materials to the orthoptic students on all relative orthoptic theories and clinical skills covering the AOC’s syllabus and Clinical Skills Competency document.  Orthoptists also participate in clinical and didactic teaching of medical students, residents, fellows, practicing ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, and nurses in orthoptic concepts and the basics of pediatric eye care.  Present courses at both regional and national meetings of several professional associations, including the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO).  Orthoptists actively participate in patient education by maintaining updated patient education materials and resources.

Research - Research support for Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and other research studies related to strabismus, amblyopia, and pediatric ophthalmology in the division by certifying as a study examinator and recording relevant study data.  Maintain current knowledge of all current pediatric ophthalmology clinical trials, their study protocols, eligibility, enrollment, and randomization criteria. Maintain CITI certifications required for research participation.  Promote/support the development of research for orthoptic students. This includes mentoring in all clinical research activities from idea development, IRB application, data gathering and analysis, abstract development, and application to regional or national meetings.

Non-clinical patient management - Triage, reply to, and/or direct patient messages, phone calls, and Mychart messages. Call and speak with patients/families directly to answer questions or discuss concerns regarding conditions affecting binocular vision, including pre and post operatively. Screen all prospective new pediatric ophthalmology patient referrals to permit assignments of appropriate appointment priority. Complete vision reports for patients with an individualized education plan or complete any other outside documentation requested by outside providers. 

Administrative and clinical equipment management – management of clinic calendars, involvement in ad hoc division meetings, preparation and delivery of used surgical instruments, administering OHSU policy for patient safety and infection control to meet DNV’s hospital accreditation standards, high level disinfection and sterilization, basic maintenance of clinical instruments and equipment, initiation of work orders for damaged equipment, order clinical supplies and medications, restock exam rooms, and other duties assigned by manager.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree AND Orthoptist certification (CO) AND 3 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Must be certified by the American Orthoptic Council.

BLS certification through American Heart Association (AHA), provider level is required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.

Outstanding interpersonal and patient relations skills. Detail oriented and meticulous in all aspects of work.  Strong follow through skills and ability to pro-actively identify and solve problems. Requires excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills with physicians/researchers. Exceptional database management abilities.  Ability to multi-task is critical. The ability to work well with team members is essential.  Strong customer service and teaming skills are essential.   Ability to plan and organize technical work and to adapt to a changing work environment is critical.   Must be able to assess and develop work tasks and systems in order to optimize  performance. Familiarity with research design, statistics and use of computers for research is preferred.  Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Windows, Office, Word, Excel, Power Point and related computer applications.  Basic computer keyboard skills including typing of at least 30-45 WPM.  Must complete (or have completed) required EpicCare training.  Upon completion of Epiccare, must be able to accurately abstract patient data from existing paper charts into EpicCare and must have/maintain working knowledge and use of EpicCare system.  Ability to work independently; willingness to serve as a positive and professional role model

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in pediatrics and an academic environment is preferred.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]