Job Description

The Ophthalmic Specialty Coordinator coordinates and schedules consultations for the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) program. The Ophthalmic Specialty Coordinator liaisons between community practices and hospitals, hospital staff, and other professionals to manage patients’ needs and is a bridge between many aspects of patient care and quality improvement in the operations of specialty services.

Essential Job Statements

• Delivers high-quality care coordination services for ROP and Ocular Oncology population.

• Oversee the handling of scheduling in and outside of VCU Health, follow up on labs and records, and correspond with Child Protective Services (CPS).

• Identifies and tracks infants in need of ROP surveillance using established protocols.

• Schedules exams based on gestational age and ensures inpatient rounding schedule is accurate

• Maintains ROP census with regular review with high attention to detail for both outpatient visits and inpatient rounding.

• Assist the attending physicians in the exam and care of the patients meeting ROP protocol requirements.

• Works closely with NICU, Ophthalmology Clinic, NICU RN, NICU Nurse Manager, NICU Case Management, Ophthalmologist, and Neonatologist for all care coordination.

• Serves as direct point of contact for patients and referring providers requesting/receiving service

• Participates in phone and patient medical record messages to coordinate patient care logistics.

• Ensure responsibility and visible commitment of diversity equity and inclusion programs/initiatives through collaboration and implementation of initiatives across the health.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree

Licensure/Certification Required:

N/A

Licensure/Certification Preferred:

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or higher through JCAHPO Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience

Five (5) years experience in ophthalmology as an ophthalmic Technician.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

An individual who will work well in a cohesive team environment, prioritize high-quality patient care, and work well with physicians and staff. Candidates must possess a positive attitude and great work ethic. Candidates must be detail oriented, professional, motivated, dependable, and have strong people skills.

Cultural Responsiveness

Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Experience in Ocular Oncology and ROP programs.

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Prolonged periods of working alone.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Crawling, Climbing, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform Shift Work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – near, Acuity – far

Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory – Emotional  

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.