Orthoptist

SHIFT:

Seeking Breakthrough Makers
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

About the Job
The Orthoptist will help manage the care of a select group of ophthalmic patients treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the hospital satellite offices, as well as teaching and clinical research. The position will primarily involve clinical care in a busy multidisciplinary, academic environment with a high level of pathology and potential for involvement in the teaching and academic programs of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania.

What you will do

• Assists the pediatric ophthalmology staff with the clinical evaluation of patients by:
  • Medical and ophthalmic history-taking, review of systems, medication reconciliation and summary of chief complaint.
  • Vision and sensory testing, strabismus measurements, Teller visual acuity testing, visual field testing, and other components of the ophthalmic examination.
  • Escorting patients to and from waiting areas and exam areas.
  • Administering medicated eye drops for cycloplegia.
  • Retinoscopic and manifest refraction.
  • Education and instruction of patients regarding glasses, patching, administration of medications, eye exercises.
  • Documenting findings concisely and accurately in the electronic health record.
  • Consulting with appropriate physician as needed.
  • Coordinating the timing of sequence of examination and requirements for scheduling additional tests, alerting proper clinical areas in order to facilitate patient flow, patient care, and clinic operation.
• Independently staff and operate an Orthoptics Clinic within the Ophthalmology Clinics approximately bimonthly for the management of amblyopia, diplopia, convergence insufficiency, and other orthoptic patients.
• Teaches ophthalmic technicians, medical students, ophthalmology residents, and pediatric ophthalmology fellows in ophthalmology clinics.
• Participates internal training and education with other ophthalmology staff
• Attends and presents at continuing education offerings for orthoptists, nurses and technicians.
• Participates in departmental research activities and may assume responsibility as primary author of research involving strabismus and amblyopia patients, to be published in various orthoptic and ophthalmology journals.
• Attends and participates in seminars, conferences, and conventions.
• Delivers papers concerning own research at meetings such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or AAPOS.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree Required

Experience

• Prior experience in an ophthalmology clinic Required

Licenses/Certifications

• Orthoptic Certification - American Orthoptic Council - within 12 months - Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work compatibly with physicians and other department members.
• Must have good stamina and good decision making skills.
• Basic computer skills required and previous experience with electronic medical records preferred.
• Personal qualities include the ability to communicate effectively; both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work compatibility with physicians and other department members.
• Must have stamina and good decision making skills

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement