Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Specialist - Ophthalmology

University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Specialist for our Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Program (PVD1; 3A). 

The ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) Specialist is responsible for coordinating the ROP screening program and ensuring timely ophthalmic surveillance, treatment coordination, patient tracking, documentation, and follow-up care for premature infants at risk for ROP. This position serves as a liaison among ophthalmologists, NICU staff, outpatient clinics, families, referring providers, and community agencies to support continuity of care and compliance with established screening and treatment protocols.

University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. 

Patient Screening Treatment Coordination

1. Inpatients

   • Manage consults and coordinate and schedule ROP examinations based on established screening criteria, gestational age, and provider recommendations.

   • Coordinate weekly ROP rounds by Peds staff and treatment as necessary by Peds and Retina staff

   • Maintain and monitor inpatient rounding schedules to ensure eligible infants are screened within appropriate timeframes and followed at the recommended intervals.

   • Ensure all infants requiring ROP surveillance are scheduled and followed appropriately. 

2. Outpatient in the Main Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic and PSC

   • Schedule timely follow up for continued surveillance for all infants discharged from the hospital

   • Manage referrals to appropriate providers in the community (Des Moines, Dubuque, and Quad Cities) per agreement and follow up to ensure the appointments have been completed. 

Patient Tracking and Follow-Up

• Maintain real time accurate database and track infants requiring ROP surveillance using established protocols.     

• Maintain accurate records of examination findings, follow-up recommendations, and scheduled appointments

• Track inpatient and outpatient follow-up needs to ensure continuity of care and prevent missed examinations

•  Monitor infant name changes and facilitate accurate linkage between NICU and outpatient medical records within the electronic medical record (EMR).

Care Coordination

• Coordinates care for infants during ophthalmic examinations by attending inpatient rounds with the examining ophthalmologist, collecting examinations results, uploading records to the EMR, and keeping a record of when the next follow up examination will be.

• Prepare, transport, and maintain clean and sterile equipment required for examinations and treatments.

• Report the weekly results to the managing team in a timely fashion

• Coordinate care and logistics for infants requiring treatment, including accompanying treating ophthalmologists, facilitating follow-up appointments, and transporting required equipment and imaging devices to treatment locations.

• Responsible for managing the schedule for the rotation for the physicians who do inpatient screening and treatment coverage and for identifying any gaps (vacation, meetings, sick etc.) to ensure that coverage is arranged and all parties are notified.  

• Collaborate with inpatient and outpatient teams to ensure timely transitions of care.

   

   

Clinical Documentation and Data Management

• Enter and update patient information in the EMR and other tracking systems as required.

• Manage and maintain the ROP patient census and data base (used for internal audits and identifying trends) with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ensure all program documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with departmental, institutional, and regulatory requirements

   

   

Family Education

• Communicate with families before, during, and after examinations regarding the ROP screening process.

• Provide educational materials and information regarding ROP, follow-up requirements, and treatment recommendations.

• Obtain, maintain, and upload signed ROP family information forms into the EMR.

• Educate parents and caregivers on the importance of adhering to recommended follow-up care and the potential consequences of missed ophthalmic evaluations.

• Serve as a resource for families by responding to questions and telephone inquiries related to ROP care.

• Help families manage barriers for care (like transportation) and assure communication with authorities (DHS) when necessary

   

   

Treatment Scheduling Support

• Coordinate scheduling and follow-up appointments for infants requiring treatment or ongoing surveillance.

• Ensure appropriate follow-up occurs within recommended clinical timeframes, including arranging alternative provider coverage when necessary.

• Coordinate treatment logistics and communicate plans with providers, clinical staff, and families.

   

   

Program Administration

• Deliver high-quality care coordination services for the ROP patient population.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients, families, referring providers, and community agencies regarding ROP services.

• Coordinate care within and outside of UI Health Care, including obtaining records, facilitating referrals, and communicating with external agencies such as Child Protective Services (CPS) when appropriate.

• Maintain regular communication with outpatient clinics to ensure timely scheduling and completion of follow-up appointments. 

• Participate in telephone and electronic medical record communications to coordinate patient care logistics.

• Assist with program operations, data collection, reporting activities, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Percent of Time: 100%

  Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p

   Location: Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa Health Care)

   Pay Level: 3A

   On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus. Primary location will be at University of Iowa Health Care.