Job Summary
Orthoptists are allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to eye movements, binocular vision and visual function. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They assess and manage conditions that affect visual development and binocular function such as eye misalignment, eye movement control, amblyopia, and more. Orthoptists play a pivotal role in educating patients and their family about their visual condition, treatment options, and how to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Responsibilities*
- Performs a broad range of duties related to the delivery of care to adult and pediatric patients seen within the Department of Ophthalmology ? Kellogg Eye Center.
- Be able to complete any of the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Certified Orthoptist Clinical Skills Competencies when called upon to do so.
- Comply with American Orthoptic Council (AOC) Code of Ethics.
- Provide comprehensive clinical sensorimotor evaluation and visual assessment of ophthalmology patients with ocular motility dysfunction or related neuromuscular anomalies.
- Services include basic diagnostic evaluation, planning, teaching and implementing appropriate orthoptic treatment programs and follow-up for selected patients.
- Evaluate assigned patient in terms of current or potential problems with vision, muscle balance, binocular sensory relationships or related ocular disorder.
- Provide fundamental assessment of fusional ability and potential, including use of specific diagnostic instruments.
- Plan and implement treatment programs for selected patients based on evaluation results.
- Evaluate ongoing therapy, institute appropriate changes in the management plan and provides instruction to parents and patients regarding the rationale and methods necessary to carry out therapy.
- Collaborate with clinical faculty in the planning and follow-up of surgical procedure when needed.
- Conduct a co-management orthoptic clinic that includes a referral base from potentially internal or external ophthalmologists.
- Teach, give didactic lectures, and provide clinical instruction to allied health staff, residents, fellows and orthoptic students.
- Administer eye drops under the direction of clinical faculty and maintain medication supply with compliance to medication expiration and pharmacy requirements.
- If not a member of American Orthoptic Council (AOC), become eligible within one year of start date.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
- Graduation from high school or similar combination of education and experience.
- Satisfactory completion of either an accredited or like AOC accreditation program in orthoptics
- Eligible for certification by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC)
Desired Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in science or arts from an accredited college or university
- Diploma from Accredited Orthoptic Training Program
- Certified Orthoptist
- CPR (Basic Life Support) certification
- Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology
- Experience with pediatric population
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires moderate standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
- Orthoptists function under the direction of a supervising clinical faculty member as mid-level providers and are primarily found in Adult Strabismus, Pediatric and Neuro-Ophthalmology clinics. General/managerial supervision is received from Kellogg Eye Center clinic operational leadership.
- This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.