Ocular Electrophysiology Tech (UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh)

at  UPMC

University of Pittsburgh Physicians is hiring a full-time Ocular Electrophysiology Tech to support the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Adult Motility located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224). This position will work Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm (no weekends, holidays or evenings). This position may require minimal travel to the Vision Institute.
The Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Adult Motility at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is comprised of 3 clinic locations and one administrative space, all working as a team to provide the highest level of care to patients and families through clinical expertise, research initiatives, and strong administrative support

PURPOSE:

To assist the Ocular Electrophysiology Laboratory in providing a comprehensive range of Visual Electrophysiology diagnostic testing as directed by and following the instructions of the Director of Ocular Electrophysiology. Testing includes but is not limited to Electrophysiology (ERG, EOG, VEP) or Ultrasonography (Bscan, UBM, Doppler B Scan, Ascan) or OCT.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and updates testing protocols.
• Takes into account abnormal eye movements, head postures and the physical restraints of wheelchairs and beds in order to adapt visual electrophysiological techniques as necessary to suit the need of the child and ensure optimum, high quality results are maintained at all times. This includes dealing with distressing emotional situations, dealing with patients with a range of ophthalmologic, neurologic, genetic and metabolic conditions in whom cranial, facial or ocular wounds, tracheostomy, ventilation, IVs, NG tubes, etc., and posture constraints must be considered.
• Performs the following electrophysiology tests, but not exclusively: Electroretinography (ERG); Electrooculography (EOG) and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP).
• Trains new and current staff, medical residents and fellows on all equipment as well as new technologies as they become available for Electrophysiology. Assists the department in researching and cost comparing new equipment for capital budget purposes.
• Orders and maintains all supplies necessary for operations in the Ocular Electrophysiology Laboratory. Works towards quality assurance while containing costs.
• Prepares the patient for electrophysiology testing by applying surface and corneal electrodes, as necessary.
• Must have a good working knowledge of ophthalmology and visual testing to assist physicians and respond to patient questions.
• Coordinates the day-to-day interaction of Ocular Electrophysiology with other health care departments. Ensures that scheduling requests are dealt with promptly and that all necessary billing functions are carried out in a timely manner.
• Ensures accurate logging and filing of data from the visual electrophysiology tests performed. Is responsible for its availability and integrity and follows all regulations relating to data confidentiality as outlined by HIPAA.
• Participates in teaching organized by the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Assists in the preparation of materials for teaching and/or research as requested by faculty and staff.
• Explains and clearly communicates to parents/patients the purpose and performance of all tests to be done, taking into account the stress of the parents/patients.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies, values and behaviors.
• Positions the patient for optimal stimulation according to each tests protocol.
• Performs Ultrasonography, Bscan, UBM, Doppler B Scan, Ascan or OCT. but not exclusively. Performs, when needed, Automated Humphrey Visual Field, Goldmann Visual Field, Visual Acuity and Color Testing.
• Maintains laboratory and clinical space to a high standard.
• Measure and tabulate the findings of electrophysiological tests.
• Administers topical eye drops in accordance with physicians written orders
• Ensures the quality of test results. Completes calibration of all equipment on a regular schedule. Ensures all equipment is in working order, is up to date on all preventative maintenance and compliant with all regulatory agencies. Immediately reports deficiencies to the Director and Clinical Engineering.
• Problem solves and prioritizes workload to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations. Works independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced outpatient setting.
• Distracts the patient in order to attract and maintain fixations.
• Record a range of electrophysiological responses after a period of training.
• Participates in clinical research projects.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in an Ocular Electrophysiology Laboratory
• or 3 years experience in ocular testing with emphasis on visual field testing
• or Bachelor’s degree in Science, preferably neurosciences is required.
• Ophthalmic technician experience is preferredLicensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
  UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
  UPMC has a Center for Engagement and Inclusions that is charged with executing leading-edge and next- generation diversity strategies to advance the organization’s diversity management capability and its national presence as a diversity leader. This includes having Employee Resources Groups, such as PRIDE Health or UPMC ENABLED (Empowering Abilities and Leveraging Difference) Network, that support the implementation of our diversity strategy