The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology has added Certified Ophthalmic Scribe (OSC) to their list of certification exams. What makes this certification unique is that the certification exam has no per-requisites, except that you must be currently working for an ophthalmologist. Eyetec.net now has an ophthalmic scribe exam prep course that will get you a certificate of completion, and you don't need to be working for an ophthalmologist to take the course. This course may be as valuable as the certification, because you have proof that you took a scribe course.
Passing the OSC exam is not a piece of cake, but it is definitely do-able for someone who wants to take the time and modest expense of studying a prep-course.
Why would you want to be a scribe? This is a relatively open door into the otherwise relatively closed world of ophthalmic technology. It can be a stepping stone to becoming a certified ophthalmic assistant, technician, or technologist. You can become a technician by attending an accredited program, but programs are scarce and expensive in terms of cost and time. You can go the on-the-job-training route, but employers generally do not hire the inexperienced. Thus the difficulty.
Job description of an ophthalmic scribe:
- The role of the scribe is to assist the physician with documentation of the patient's medical record.
- The scribe accompanies the physician into the exam room to transcribe the history and examination as given by the patient and the physician.
- The scribe, under the direction of the physician, transcribes the impression and plan, results of tests, prescriptions, and orders.
- The scribe documents any procedures that may be performed by the physician or ophthalmic medical personnel.
- The scribe transcribes any consultations or discussions with family members.
- The scribe does not usually directly assist with patient care, but may do so as directed by the physician.