Ophthalmic Technician Trainer

Description

Join Tri-Century Eye Care as an Ophthalmic Technician Trainer, guiding new technicians through a structured, competency-based training program. This role combines clinical expertise with mentorship and education, ensuring each trainee achieves proficiency across four stages — Observation, Work-up Technician, Scribe, and Specialty Assignments.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Training & Development

• Lead and document technician training through defined stages:
  • Stage 1 - Observation (Weeks 1–2): Introduce anatomy, terminology, EMR (Nextech) use, HIPAA compliance, and basic testing (OCT, fundus photos, color plates, stereopsis). Utilization of resources including training packet and senior staff.
  • Stage 2 - Filling Technician (Weeks 3–4): Supervise patient work-ups, documentation, and ancillary testing; reinforce history-taking, pharmacology, and patient interaction standards.
  • Stage 3 - Lanes Technician (90 Days): Advance trainees in provider templates, surgical setup, diagnostic imaging, and minor procedure assistance; ensure completion of required reading and testing modules.
  • Stage 4 - Specialty Assignments: Coordinate advanced training in cornea, oculoplastics, visual fields, and biometry

Include instruction on triaging tasks, ensuring trainees can:

• Prioritize tasks and urgent clinical requests appropriately.
• Route tasks to the correct provider or department/location using established protocols.
• Document triage decisions and urgency for appointment accurately in Nextech tasks. 
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff regarding next steps and follow-up care.
• Complete medication refill requests
• Track and report trainee progress, ensuring competency milestones and manager approvals are met.
• Conduct one-on-one coaching and skills assessments.
• Maintain training documentation, reading assignments, and test submissions.
• Collaborate with managers and providers to align training with clinical workflow and patient care standards.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, MIPS, and internal protocols.
• Support COA certification preparation and documentation.

Clinical Excellence

• Oversee patient work-ups and diagnostic testing accuracy.
• Reinforce proper documentation, safety practices, and patient interaction standards.
• Provide feedback on workflow efficiency and quality of care.
• Assist with minor surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic testing as needed. 
• Technicians should learn applanation and refractions with 50 double checked as accurate readings, keeping a list to prove this standard/criteria are met. 

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate training records and progress reports.
• Coordinate scheduling for trainees and training sessions.
• Participate in process improvement and onboarding initiatives.

Requirements

Competencies

• Patient Care & Communication: Ability to interact professionally with patients and staff, explain procedures, and provide reassurance.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in diagnostic testing, vision assessments, pressure testing, refractions and EMR documentation.
• Instructional Leadership: Ability to teach, mentor, and engage staff across diverse learning styles.
• Compliance & Ethics: Understanding of HIPAA, MIPS, and regulatory standards.
• Organization & Documentation: Strong attention to detail and ability to track progress and outcomes.

Supervisory responsibilities

N/A 

Work environment

Ophthalmic Technician Trainers at Tri-Century Eye Care work in a fast-paced medical office, assisting doctors and patients in a clinical setting. This role involves:

• Direct patient interaction – Conducting vision assessments, diagnostic testing, and assisting with procedures.
• Medical office environment – Working in exam rooms, diagnostic areas, and administrative spaces.
• Team collaboration – Coordinating with ophthalmologists, Optometrists, other specialists, technicians, and administrative staff.
• Hands-on technical work – Operating ophthalmic instruments and maintaining equipment.
• Variable schedule – Includes weekday shifts and Saturday hours as needed.
• Compliance & confidentiality

Physical demands

The Ophthalmic Technician Trainer position requires a combination of clinical tasks and patient interaction in a medical office setting. Essential physical requirements include:

• Prolonged standing and walking while assisting patients and performing diagnostic tests.
• Manual dexterity for handling ophthalmic instruments, administering eye drops, and conducting vision assessments.
• Occasional lifting of medical equipment and supplies (typically under 25 lbs).
• Clear verbal communication to interact with patients and medical staff effectively.
• Visual acuity for reviewing test results, operating diagnostic equipment, and documenting patient information.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced ophthalmology practice, ensuring efficient patient care.

Travel

This position requires travel between office locations, based on the employee’s designated home office:

• Position will be based in Southampton, PA. If the need arises due to scheduling and staffing needs, the employee may be required to commute to the New Britain, PA office. In addition, the employee may be asked to visit any of our four locations for train-the-trainer sessions during onboarding.

Reliable transportation is required to ensure timely arrival at assigned locations. Travel between offices may be necessary for staff meetings, training, or coverage needs.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (group plan + complementary vision plan)
• 401(k) with employer contribution and profit-sharing after 12 months
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Uniform reimbursement
• Employer-paid group life insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, and disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Benefits begin the 1st of the month after hire (some after 90 days)

Required education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 6 months of experience in an ophthalmology practice or eye care clinic.
• Proficiency in basic office software.
• Strong communication and organizational skills 

Preferred education and experience

• Completion of an accredited ophthalmic technician training program.
• Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification.
• 2+ years of experience in an ophthalmology practice or eye care clinic.
• Experience in a training or supervisory role