Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist chez Rapid City Medical Center

Join our Ophthalmology Department as a full-time Ophthalmic Surgical Technologist! This individual is responsible for performing an extensive number of data collection functions, as delegated by the physician, to allow for proper professional diagnosis of patients’ conditions.

Who We Are

Rapid City Medical Center is a physician clinic dedicated to excellence, choice, and patient-centered care. We prioritize building strong relationships with our patients, partnering with them throughout their health journey. Our team of 90 physicians and advanced practice providers, supported by over 400 employees, combines leading-edge technology with medical expertise to ensure efficient and effective appointments and smooth insurance interactions.

We thrive on collaborating with smart, compassionate individuals. Our work can be challenging, but we are motivated by serving our families, friends, and community in meaningful ways. We value work-life balance and career satisfaction, offering competitive wages, exceptional benefits, and a workplace where you can feel proud of your contributions.

Our benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with profit sharing, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, seven paid holidays plus a floating birthday, paid time off (PTO), and flexible scheduling to support important personal and family milestones.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Welcome and orient new patients to office procedures and testing processes.
• Explain the purpose and effects of all tests and procedures performed to patients.
• Obtain complete and accurate patient histories.
• Perform and document a full range of ophthalmic testing and measurements, including visual acuity, lensometry, visual fields, stereo testing, motility evaluation, pupillary and color testing, applanation tonometry, refraction, angle assessment, dilation, contact lens evaluation, and advanced imaging (e.g., OCT, HRT, GDx, pachymetry, corneal topography).
• Serve as ophthalmic scribe and assist physicians with examinations, laser procedures, and minor surgeries, maintaining sterile technique and infection control standards.
• Support ophthalmic photography and image capture as needed.
• Escort patients from the waiting area, initiate testing, and prepare them for examination.
• Prioritize patient flow to maintain efficiency, adjusting testing order as necessary.
• Handle patient phone calls regarding ocular emergencies, prescription refills, and general care questions.
• Coordinate with reception and clinical staff to ensure timely and organized patient movement.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, including troubleshooting, bulb replacement, and connection checks.
• Ensure instrument sterility and complete archiving functions per manufacturer guidelines.
• Confirm patient appointments and maintain accurate scheduling.
• Keep exam and procedure rooms clean, organized, and fully stocked with supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Must be 18 years or older.

EDUCATION:  High school diploma; some college preferred. 

EXPERIENCE:  One to two years’ experience as a certified ophthalmic assistant or surgical technologist preferred but not required. Valid proof of certification as an ophthalmic assistant or surgical technologist preferred but not required. Valid CPR certification preferred but willing to certify. Valid driver’s license and must have a clean driving record.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated, advanced comprehension of the ophthalmic assistant skills as outlined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
  
• Basic understanding of optics and the ability to perform refractometry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic personality with concern for patients’ needs.
• Strong organization with attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Demonstrated comprehension of the principles of optics, refraction, and contact lenses.
• Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive work ups on three patients per hour.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
  

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings.   Well-lighted, well-ventilated, adequate space.  Exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions common to clinic setting.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:  Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics techniques when making necessary patient transfers and helping patients with walking, dressing, etc.  Must be able to lift and move equipment up to 30 lbs.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.