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

Mar 11, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The need for ophthalmic surgical technicians is increasing as more and more people are affected by vision problems. Ophthalmic surgical technicians are responsible for assisting ophthalmologists during eye surgeries. They help set up and maintain the surgical room, sterilize equipment, prepare solutions and medications, assist during the procedure, and monitor the patient's vital signs.

The job requires a great deal of precision, as even the slightest error can have severe consequences. As a result of the growing demand for ophthalmic surgical technicians, more and more students are enrolling in specialized training programs to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in this field. Furthermore, many states are now requiring these technicians to be certified, which means that those with certification have a greater chance of obtaining employment.

Steps How to Become

Complete a High School Education. Before pursuing a career as an ophthalmic surgical technician, individuals must first complete a high school diploma or equivalent. During this time, students should focus on taking classes related to mathematics and science to build a strong foundation for furthering their education.
Obtain Postsecondary Education. Most employers require ophthalmic surgical technicians to have an associate degree in surgical technology. Students will take classes in anatomy, medical terminology, and pharmacology and will gain hands-on experience in operating rooms.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required to become an ophthalmic surgical technician, but having it can help a technician stand out from the competition and potentially increase their salary. To become certified, technicians must pass an exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Find Employment. After completing their education and obtaining certification, ophthalmic surgical technicians can begin searching for employment. They can work in hospitals, surgical centers, or eye clinics. They may also find employment with equipment manufacturers and research centers.
Maintain Certification. Ophthalmic surgical technicians must take continuing education courses and renew their certification every few years in order to remain current with new technologies and procedures.

The decision to hire a reliable and qualified Ophthalmic Surgical Technician is an important one. When making the selection, it is essential to consider the credentials and experience of the individual. A qualified technician should have completed a recognized program in ophthalmic surgical technology or have equivalent experience and knowledge.

they should be certified by a recognized organization, such as the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Furthermore, they should have experience in a variety of ophthalmic procedures and be knowledgeable in safety protocols and infection control methods. By taking these factors into consideration, medical professionals can ensure they are hiring an experienced professional who has the skill set and expertise to provide quality care to their patients.

You may want to check Ophthalmic Optical Technician, Ophthalmic Medical Biller and Coder, and Ophthalmic Surgery Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare patients for ophthalmic surgical procedures by taking medical histories, describing the procedures and answering questions.
Assist physician during ophthalmic surgical procedures, including setting up and operating necessary equipment.
Administer eye drops and ointments as prescribed by the physician.
Monitor patients vital signs during surgery, including blood pressure, respiration rate and pulse.
Prepare and maintain supplies and equipment for surgeries and treatment.
Order, receive, store and maintain inventory of supplies.
Clean and sterilize equipment before and after use.
Prepare patient charts and maintain records of treatments, medications and other related data.
Provide post-operative instructions to patients and their families.
Educate patients about proper eye care, health maintenance and safety precautions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of ophthalmic equipment, instruments and supplies.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye and related structures.
Ability to sterilize and maintain ophthalmic instruments and equipment.
Ability to set up and operate ophthalmic surgical equipment.
Ability to prepare and assemble ophthalmic surgical instruments and materials.
Ability to provide assistance to the ophthalmologist during surgery.
Knowledge of sterile techniques and infection control procedures.
Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative patient care.
Ability to use electronic medical records systems.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with both patients and medical staff.

An Ophthalmic Surgical Technician is an integral part of the eye care team and must possess a wide range of skills to be successful. The most important skill for an Ophthalmic Surgical Technician is the ability to remain calm and organized in a stressful environment. This skill enables the technician to follow protocols, remain attentive to detail, and assist surgeons during ophthalmic procedures.

Attention to detail is key, as the technician must be able to accurately measure, prepare, and administer eye medications. In addition, they must be knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology of the eye, patient care and safety, and sterilization techniques. Furthermore, they must have excellent communication skills to effectively convey information to the surgeon and other medical staff.

Having these skills allows an Ophthalmic Surgical Technician to work efficiently and provide high quality care to patients.

Ophthalmic Billing Specialist, Ophthalmic Patient Care Coordinator, and Ophthalmic Insurance Verification Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in ophthalmic surgery?
How would you handle difficult patients who are anxious about the procedure?
Describe a time when you successfully completed a complex surgical procedure.
How do you ensure that all instruments are properly sterilized before use?
What is your experience with operating room protocols and safety standards?
What challenges have you faced while prepping patients for ophthalmic surgery?
What techniques do you use to stay organized while working in a fast-paced environment?
How do you ensure accurate documentation of patient records?
How have you managed conflict or disagreements between staff members in the OR?
Describe a time when you provided exceptional patient care.

Common Tools in Industry

Retinal Forceps. Used to grasp and move the delicate tissues of the eye during surgery. (Eg: Beaver-Visitec Retinal Forceps)
Ophthalmic Microscope. Used to magnify the details of the eye for better examination and precision during surgery. (Eg: Zeiss OPMI Lumera T Microscope)
Ophthalmic Surgical Knives. Used to make precise incisions on the cornea with minimal trauma. (Eg: Alcon Legacy Disposable Surgical Blade)
Surgical Suction Irrigation System. Used to remove fluids from the eye during surgery. (Eg: Centurion Surgical Suction Irrigation System)
Ophthalmic Cannulae. Used to introduce and manipulate materials within the eye during surgery. (Eg: Bausch + Lomb Microforceps Cannulae)
Ophthalmic Lasers. Used to seal vessels, remove unwanted tissue, or facilitate photodynamic therapy. (Eg: Nidek YC-1800 Laser System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology
American Board of Certified Ophthalmic Technician
American Association of Ophthalmic Medical Professionals
International Society of Ophthalmic Technology
National Ophthalmic Technicians Association
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
American Society of Retina Specialists

We also have Ophthalmic Clinical Supervisor, Ophthalmic Administrative Assistant, and Ophthalmic Reimbursement Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ophthalmic Surgery. Surgery that is performed on the eyes, including procedures such as cataract removal, refractive surgery, glaucoma surgery, and retinal surgery.
Ophthalmologist. A doctor specializing in the medical and surgical care of the eyes.
Ophthalmic Technician. A medical professional who assists ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Ophthalmic Instruments. Specialized devices used to diagnose and treat eye disorders, including ophthalmoscopes, slit lamps, and retinoscopes.
Ophthalmic Nursing. A specialty focusing on the care of patients with eye conditions, including pre- and post-operative care.
Ocular Anatomy. The study of the structure of the eye and its components, including the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
Refractive Errors. Conditions that affect the shape of the eye, resulting in blurred vision or near-sightedness.
Ocular Pathology. The study of diseases affecting the eyes, including glaucoma and cataracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ophthalmic Surgical Technician?

An Ophthalmic Surgical Technician is a healthcare professional who assists ophthalmologists in the operating room during eye surgeries and other related procedures.

What type of tasks does an Ophthalmic Surgical Technician perform?

Ophthalmic Surgical Technicians are responsible for prepping the operating room, sterilizing surgical instruments, preparing drapes and supplies, assisting the surgeon during surgery, and providing post-operative care.

What qualifications are needed to become an Ophthalmic Surgical Technician?

Most Ophthalmic Surgical Technicians have completed a formal training program and are certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). In addition, they must have experience in sterile technique, anatomy, physiology, and ophthalmic surgical procedures.