How to Be Ophthalmic Clinical Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 14, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Ophthalmic Clinical Manager has a major impact on the success of an ophthalmological office. By effectively managing patient care and daily operations, they ensure that the office runs smoothly and efficiently. They are also responsible for hiring and training staff, scheduling appointments, maintaining records and equipment, and addressing patient concerns.

As a result, the office is able to provide quality care to patients, reduce wait times, and increase patient satisfaction. the Ophthalmic Clinical Manager plays an important role in ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and laws, as well as developing and implementing office policies. their role as a leader and manager helps to ensure that the ophthalmological office is a safe and successful environment for both staff and patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an ophthalmic clinical manager, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in health sciences or a related field, such as ophthalmology. You may also consider pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration or management.
Complete Ophthalmology Coursework. In addition to your bachelor's degree, you will also need to complete coursework in ophthalmology. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work with ophthalmic patients.
Obtain Licensure. Most states require ophthalmic clinical managers to be licensed in order to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include passing an exam, completing a certain number of hours of continuing education, and fulfilling other requirements.
Gain Experience. Many employers require ophthalmic clinical managers to have experience working in the field. Consider volunteering or interning in an ophthalmology office or clinic to gain the necessary experience and skills.
Get Certified. Earning certification as an ophthalmic clinical manager is voluntary, but it may help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field. Certification is available from the American Society of Ophthalmic Clinical Managers (ASOCM).

In order to stay ahead and efficient as an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager, it is important to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and stay on top of the latest industry developments. By staying organized, a manager is able to efficiently manage their time and resources, leading to increased productivity. Prioritizing tasks allows for more urgent tasks to be completed first, ensuring that deadlines are met and expectations are exceeded.

Staying up-to-date with the latest industry developments is essential for keeping abreast of changes to regulations, new products and services, and medical advancements. Keeping an open dialogue with colleagues and stakeholders is also important for staying informed and current with the industry. by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and staying informed, an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager can remain ahead and efficient in their role.

You may want to check Ophthalmic Medical Biller and Coder, Ophthalmology Nursing Technician, and Ophthalmic Insurance Verification Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and manage staff and patient schedules
Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing feedback and guidance
Oversee ophthalmic patient care, ensuring quality of care is maintained and adheres to accepted standards
Develop and implement protocols for patient care and staff performance
Serve as the primary contact for patient inquiries, concerns and complaints
Supervise and evaluate medical staff, including medical assistants, technicians, and optometrists
Train staff in the use of clinical and office equipment, medical terminology, coding, and insurance information
Monitor inventory of medical/ophthalmic supplies and equipment, ordering as needed
Create and maintain patient records, filing and retrieving records as needed
Participate in patient care team meetings to discuss patient care plans
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and disciplining of staff
Maintain compliance with regulatory standards and all applicable laws
Review and update policies and procedures to ensure they are current
Develop budget plans and cost estimates
Monitor expenditure trends to ensure fiscal responsibility

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge of ophthalmology, including diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases.
Ability to manage and supervise a team of ophthalmic professionals, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, and technicians.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals.
Knowledge of medical billing and coding.
Ability to develop and implement clinical guidelines and protocols.
Ability to review patient records and ensure accuracy and quality of care.
Familiarity with information technology systems and software related to ophthalmology.
Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant research and trends in ophthalmology.
Understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing the practice of ophthalmology.
Excellent problem-solving skills.

Good communication skills are essential for an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager to be successful. A manager must be able to effectively communicate with their team, patients, and other stakeholders in order to ensure the smooth running of the clinic. By having excellent communication skills, the manager can provide clear instructions, listen to and understand their team's concerns, and respond professionally.

This will help create a supportive and productive environment for everyone involved. having strong problem-solving skills is key for an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager. They must be able to identify challenges, find solutions, and implement changes when necessary.

Being organized is also important in order to maintain accurate records and stay on top of tasks. A good manager should be able to prioritize and delegate tasks to their team in order to maximize efficiency and productivity. Finally, having an understanding of ophthalmology and medical terminology is a necessity for an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager in order to accurately diagnose and treat patients.

With these skills, a manager can ensure that their clinic is providing the best care possible.

Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator, Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Representative, and Ophthalmic Surgical Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing ophthalmic clinical operations?
What strategies have you used to increase efficiency and reduce costs in your past clinical management roles?
How would you handle a challenging situation with a client or patient in an ophthalmic clinical setting?
What have you done to stay up to date with advancements in ophthalmology?
What systems have you implemented for managing patient records, scheduling, and billing?
How would you handle a situation where patient safety is compromised?
What do you consider to be the most important skills for an ophthalmic clinical manager?
How have you addressed compliance issues in the past?
What measures have you taken to ensure a positive patient experience?
What experience do you have with budgeting and financial management?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software. This tool allows healthcare professionals to store and manage a patient's medical information, including medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and lab results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth)
Practice Management Software. This tool allows healthcare providers to streamline administrative tasks such as billing, scheduling, and reporting. (e. g. Kareo, MediTouch, AdvancedMD)
Telemedicine Platforms. This tool allows healthcare providers to remotely connect with their patients using secure video conferencing software. (e. g. Doxy. me, Teladoc, eVisit).
Patient Engagement Platforms. This tool enables healthcare providers to interact with and engage patients through patient portals and mobile applications. (e. g. MyChart, Allscripts FollowMyHealth, Amwell)
Online Patient Scheduling Software. This tool allows patients to schedule their own appointments online. (e. g. ZocDoc, Jane, AccuBook)
Revenue Cycle Management Software. This tool helps healthcare providers manage the financial aspects of their practice, including billing, collecting payments, and tracking accounts receivable. (e. g. Kareo Billing Services, AthenaCollector, Availity)
Data Analytics Software. This tool helps healthcare providers measure and analyze patient data to identify areas for improvement in their practice. (e. g. Tableau, Qlik Sense, Microsoft Power BI)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
American Glaucoma Society (AGS)
American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS)
American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)
Association of Vision Science and Optometry (AVSO)
National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
World Council of Optometry (WCO)
International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)

We also have Ophthalmic Scribe, Ophthalmic Optician Technician, and Ophthalmic Research Scientist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ophthalmologist A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye diseases, disorders, and injuries.
Optometrist A healthcare professional who specializes in examining eyes and diagnosing vision problems.
Optician A healthcare professional who fits eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as provides advice on selecting frames and lenses.
Ocularist A healthcare professional who specializes in the design, construction and fitting of custom artificial eyes.
Ophthalmic Technician A healthcare professional trained to assist ophthalmologists with patient diagnosis and treatment.
Ophthalmology The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of eye diseases and injuries.
Retina The light-sensitive layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that is responsible for vision.
Cornea The transparent, outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil.
Vitreous humor The gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye between the lens and the retina.
Visual acuity The ability to distinguish details in a visual field, typically measured by how clearly a person can see a standardized chart from a specified distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager?

An Ophthalmic Clinical Manager is a healthcare professional who is responsible for overseeing the clinical operations of an ophthalmology practice. They supervise staff, manage patient care, and ensure the practice meets regulatory and compliance standards.

What qualifications do Ophthalmic Clinical Managers need?

Ophthalmic Clinical Managers typically need to have a Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field, as well as several years of experience in ophthalmology. Additionally, they may need to be certified in either ophthalmology or healthcare management.

What are the main responsibilities of an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager?

The main responsibilities of an Ophthalmic Clinical Manager include overseeing staff and patient care, developing policies and procedures, and ensuring the practice is compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. They also provide guidance and advice on clinical operations and patient care, manage finances, and review patient records.

How much do Ophthalmic Clinical Managers earn?

Ophthalmic Clinical Managers typically earn an average salary of $89,000 per year. This can vary depending on the size of the practice, the region, and their experience level.

What is the job outlook for Ophthalmic Clinical Managers?

The job outlook for Ophthalmic Clinical Managers is expected to be good, with a projected growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is due to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for qualified medical professionals.