How to Be Ophthalmic Surgery Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 12, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being an Ophthalmic Surgery Technician requires a great deal of responsibility and knowledge. When performing these surgeries, they are responsible for ensuring that the equipment is properly set-up and sterilized, the patient is prepared for the procedure, and that the surgery is performed according to the doctor's instructions. These technicians also play an important role in the recovery process, as they are responsible for monitoring the patient's vital signs and providing post-operative care.

The effects of having an experienced and skilled Ophthalmic Surgery Technician on staff are numerous, including increased safety and efficiency during the procedure, improved patient recovery times, and reduced costs due to fewer errors. having a knowledgeable technician on staff can lead to more accurate diagnoses and more successful outcomes.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an ophthalmic surgery technician is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school classes such as biology, anatomy, and medical terminology can be helpful in preparing for a career in this field.
Complete an Educational Program. Most employers require ophthalmic surgery technicians to complete a postsecondary educational program. These programs are typically offered at technical schools and community colleges, and they take around one year to complete. During the program, students learn about the anatomy of the eyes and how to use medical instruments and equipment.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification is not required, but it can help boost employment opportunities. Two organizations that offer certification for ophthalmic surgery technicians are the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) and the Commission on Optometric Technician Certification (COTC). Both organizations offer examinations that must be passed in order to become certified.
Gain Experience. After completing an educational program and obtaining certification, potential ophthalmic surgery technicians may want to gain experience by working as an ophthalmic assistant or technician for a few years. This can help them gain a better understanding of the field and make them more attractive to potential employers.
Find Employment. After gaining experience, ophthalmic surgery technicians can begin looking for employment opportunities. They may be able to find jobs at hospitals, clinics, or private ophthalmology practices.

The ever-changing field of ophthalmic surgery means that technicians must stay up-to-date with the latest advances in technology and medical procedures in order to remain capable. To ensure they are able to provide the most up-to-date care, ophthalmic surgery technicians should take the time to read professional journals, attend conferences, and participate in continuing education classes. By staying informed on the latest trends in the field, technicians will be able to offer the best possible care to their patients.

by networking with other professionals and attending seminars, technicians can make sure they are familiar with the most current standards and guidelines in the industry. By staying up-to-date on the latest developments in ophthalmic surgery, technicians will be able to provide the best care for their patients and keep themselves capable.

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Job Description

Prepare patients for ophthalmic surgery by explaining the procedure and calming any fears or anxiety.
Escort patients to the operating room, prepare the patient for surgery, and assist the ophthalmologist during the surgical procedure.
Prepare the surgical environment by ensuring that proper supplies and equipment are available and in working order.
Assist with sterilization of equipment and monitoring the environment for sterility prior to and during the procedure.
Administer medications as instructed by the physician, including topical anesthetics, antibiotics, and other medications.
Observe, record, and report vital signs and any changes in the patients condition to the physician.
Assist with instrumentation during surgery, including operating microscopes, lasers, and other specialized instruments.
Monitor the patients vital signs throughout the procedure and alert the physician of any changes.
Remove eye dressings, sutures, and other materials after surgery.
Educate patients on post-operative care instructions and provide follow-up phone calls to ensure proper recovery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of basic anatomy and physiology of the eye
Knowledge of different types of ophthalmic surgical instruments and equipment
Knowledge of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care of patients
Ability to assist surgeon during ophthalmic surgery
Ability to measure and record patient visual acuity and intraocular pressure
Ability to accurately document patient history and physical exam findings
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Ability to operate laser systems used in ophthalmic surgery
Ability to troubleshoot and repair ophthalmic surgical instruments and equipment
Ability to assist in the development of patient education materials
Understanding of principles of pharmacology and safe handling of medications
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, healthcare professionals, and colleagues
Ability to work as part of a health care team
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations

Ophthalmic surgery technicians are highly skilled professionals who are vital to the success of any ophthalmic surgical procedure. Their meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of the intricate procedures involved in ophthalmic surgery can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a costly mistake. To be successful, an ophthalmic surgery technician must possess a variety of skills, including excellent hand-eye coordination, an understanding of surgical instruments, and the ability to work quickly and accurately with precision instruments.

In addition, they must be able to follow instructions carefully and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. These skills are essential for ensuring that every step of a surgical procedure is performed correctly, as well as for monitoring vital signs and administering medications as needed. Furthermore, ophthalmic surgery technicians must remain calm and composed throughout the procedure, even in the face of unexpected complications or challenging patient behaviors.

With these skills, ophthalmic surgery technicians can help make sure that ophthalmic surgery is safe and successful.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in ophthalmic surgery?
How do you handle difficult situations in an operating room?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when recording data from patients?
Describe a time when you had to work with a very demanding physician.
How do you assist in pre- and post-operative planning for ophthalmic surgery?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling medical equipment?
What challenges have you faced while working in ophthalmic surgery?
How do you keep up with the latest ophthalmic technology?
How do you provide patient education and support before, during and after surgery?
How do you maintain a clean and organized workspace prior to, during and after surgery?

Common Tools in Industry

Autorefractor. A device used to measure the refractive errors of the eye and provide a starting point for optometrists to prescribe corrective lenses. (eg: Topcon KR-8000 Autorefractor)
Ophthalmoscope. A lighted instrument used to examine the inside of the eye, including the fundus. (eg: Welch Allyn PanOptic Ophthalmoscope)
Tonometer. A device used to measure intraocular pressure, which is an important factor in diagnosing glaucoma. (eg: Icare IC-100 Rebound Tonometer)
Surgical Microscope. A microscope used in ophthalmic surgery to provide magnified views of the eye. (eg: Zeiss OPMI Lumera T Surgical Microscope)
Sterilization Tray. A tray used to hold surgical instruments during autoclaving or other sterilization processes. (eg: Stryker Surgical Sterilization Tray)
Phacoemulsification Unit. A unit used to perform cataract surgery, which breaks up and removes the cataract from the eye using ultrasonic energy. (eg: Alcon Infiniti Vision System Phacoemulsification Unit)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN)
American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives (AAOE)
American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons (ACOS)
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
American Ophthalmological Society (AOS)
National Board for Certification in Ophthalmic Technology (NBCOT)
Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO)
American Association of Ophthalmic Registered Technicians (AAORT)
American Optometric Association (AOA)
International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS)

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Common Important Terms

Ophthalmology. A medical specialty dealing with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye.
Refraction. The process of determining the refractive power of the eye, in order to prescribe corrective lenses.
Intraocular Lens. A lens that is surgically implanted within the eye for vision correction.
Phacoemulsification. A surgical procedure used to remove a cataract from the eye, by breaking it up into small pieces and suctioning them out.
Slit Lamp. A device used to examine the eyes, consisting of a microscope with a narrow slit of light, used to detect any abnormalities.
Ophthalmic Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform ophthalmic surgery, such as forceps, scissors, and sutures.
Corneal Transplant. A surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
Retinal Detachment Surgery. A surgical procedure used to repair a detached retina, typically involving the use of laser therapy or cryopexy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ophthalmic Surgery Technician?

An Ophthalmic Surgery Technician is a healthcare professional who assists ophthalmologists with surgical and clinical procedures related to eye care.

What qualifications are required to become an Ophthalmic Surgery Technician?

To become an Ophthalmic Surgery Technician, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited ophthalmic assistant program, and pass a certification examination.

What types of tasks do Ophthalmic Surgery Technicians perform?

Ophthalmic Surgery Technicians perform a variety of tasks, including recording patient histories, preparing and administering medications, helping with diagnostic tests and surgical procedures, and providing patient education regarding eye care.