Optometric Technician

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Term: 2 Years
The internal posting deadline for this position is February 20, 2026 at 11:59PM.

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity.

This posting is for an existing vacancy

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The School of Optometry & Vision Science provides an academic and clinic facility for the education of Optometry undergraduate and graduate students in vision science, and Optometric Residents at the University of Waterloo. It also provides a comprehensive optometric service to the public through a university-based clinic. Approximately 24,000 patients are seen annually. Special populations are served through outreach projects around the region, across the country and throughout the world.

The Optometric Technician primarily acquires ophthalmic images and performs ancillary ophthalmic testing and some clinical instruction in the School of Optometry and Vision Science's public clinics. This position is contingent upon funding.

Key Accountabilities

Clinical Teaching

·       Supervises interns while they are assigned to the imaging rotation

·       Instructs interns on the appropriate use of ophthalmic equipment

·       Periodically instructs Optometry Residents in the use of ophthalmic ancillary equipment to ensure the capture of high-quality images

Optometric Imaging

·       Acquires images with Optical Coherence Tomography (e.g., Cirrus, Spectralis, Nidek), retinal and anterior segment photography, corneal topography and performs testing with various methods of perimetry

·       Performs ancillary testing associated with dry eye management (e.g. meibography, osmolarity)

·       Assists in electrodiagnostic testing (e.g. ERG, VEP)

Administrative Assignments

·       Maintains patient records and correctly documents  patient information, image/testing data, billing information and generates reports within an electronic medical record system

·       Ensures accurate and high-quality image acquisition and subsequent image processing

·       Manages communication with referral sources/external practitioners

·       Monitors the maintenance of all ophthalmic  equipment and arranges calibration and / or repair  in conjunction with the Equipment Maintenance and Specialized Repair Technologist

Vendor Liaison

·       In conjunction with the Head of Ocular Disease and Imaging Clinic and the Equipment Management & Specialized Repair Technologist, the Optometric Technician will serve as a liaison with medical imaging technology vendors, receive equipment/safety updates and ensure required knowledge transfer and training to students, clinicians, and staff

Required Qualifications

Education

·       College or university undergraduate degree preferably in Science, or equivalent education and experience required

·       Certificate in medical diagnostic imaging, ophthalmic assistant training or equivalent required

Experience

·       Minimum of 3 years medical imaging experience required

·       Experience in an optometry or ophthalmology practice preferred

·       Experience in using an electronic medical records system preferred

·       Experience in instructing students is preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

·       Expert technical skills to acquire high quality images to support effective diagnostics and patient care

·       Knowledge of patient safety

·       Self-directed and independent judgement and decision-making; provides leadership regarding patient scheduling, clinic flow, and technical matters

·       Excellent communication skills, commensurate with the requirements of teaching and patient care

·       Knowledge of electronic medical records systems, with experience in Visual-eyes preferred

·       Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy legislation and its application in a health care environment is required

·       Intermediate use of Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at  or , ext