Job Description
The Orthoptist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Orthoptist works within the guidelines of a collaborative practice agreement with an active member of the medical staff. In partnership with physicians and other health care team members, the Orthoptist provides direct patient care in ambulatory setting performing testing and procedures related to the delivery of ophthalmology care. Through the application of evidenced-based decision making, the Orthoptist serves as a leader, educator, researcher and clinical mentor to all members of the health care team with the goal of achieving optimal patient outcomes.
_ Responsibilities:_
- Provide patient care under supervision of an Ophthalmologist.
- Identifies expected outcomes, which promote cost effectiveness, patient satisfaction and continuity amongst providers that incorporate scientific evidence and are achievable through the implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Conduct clinical evaluations of infant, pediatric and adult patients with amblyopia, strabismus and ocular motor dysfunction; in some cases a sensorimotor exam will need to be conducted.
- Develops and implements an appropriate treatment plan that reflects current evidence and expert clinical knowledge and prioritizes interventions by ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, identifying appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents, developing a patient education plan, and incorporating needs of the individual, family and community.
- Tests performed may include, but are not limited to: motor and sensory evaluations of strabismus, evaluation of extraocular movements, visual acuity measurements, color vision testing, lensometry, testing of pupil function
- Placement of lenses and/or filters on glasses
- Educate patients and family members regarding understand their eye disorders and treatment plans
- Evaluates patient progress toward expected outcomes and modifies plan of care appropriately
- Engages in a formal process seeking feedback regarding one's own practice from patients, peers, professional colleagues and others as identified
- Integrates ethical considerations into all areas of practice by discussing risks, benefits and outcomes of healthcare interventions
- Initiates and/or revises protocols or practice guidelines to reflect current evidenced-based practice
- Calibrate and maintain ophthalmologic equipment to ensure proper working order
- Uses prescriptive authority, procedures, referrals, treatments and therapies in accordance with state and federal law and regulations
- Performs other duties as assigned