Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Eye Bank Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and meticulous Eye Bank Technician to join our mission-driven team. In this vital role, you will be a cornerstone of the donation process, responsible for the skillful and compassionate recovery, evaluation, and processing of donated ocular tissue. You will work at the intersection of surgical precision, laboratory science, and profound human kindness, ensuring that every donation is handled with the utmost respect and technical excellence. This position requires a strong sense of purpose, the ability to work under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to quality, as your work directly facilitates the gift of sight through corneal transplantation and supports valuable medical research.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Surgical Technologist
EMT / Paramedic
Medical Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Recent graduate with a degree in Biological or Health Sciences

Advancement To:

Senior Eye Bank Technician / Team Lead
Eye Bank Training Coordinator
Quality Assurance Specialist (Eye Banking)
Laboratory Supervisor / Manager

Lateral Moves:

Organ Procurement Coordinator
Tissue Bank Technician (for other tissue types)
Clinical Research Assistant / Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform sterile, aseptic recovery of human ocular tissue (corneas, sclera, and whole globes) from deceased donors in diverse environments, including hospitals, morgues, and funeral homes, adhering strictly to EBAA and FDA standards.
Conduct comprehensive reviews of donor medical records, laboratory results, and social/behavioral histories to meticulously determine donor eligibility and tissue suitability for transplant or research.
Execute detailed physical and anatomical inspections of the donor to identify any signs of infectious disease or contraindications to donation.
Perform advanced laboratory evaluations of corneal tissue using specialized equipment, including slit lamp biomicroscopy and specular microscopy, to assess cell density and tissue quality.
Aseptically process and preserve tissue in sterile storage media, ensuring the viability and safety of the graft for its intended purpose.
Accurately complete extensive and detailed documentation for each donor case, including recovery records, evaluation forms, and final disposition reports, ensuring full traceability.
Manage the sterile and controlled laboratory environment, including cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring of the cleanroom and associated equipment.
Prepare, package, label, and coordinate the shipment of ocular tissue to transplant surgeons and research facilities, ensuring compliance with all transportation and biohazard regulations.
Maintain constant, professional, and compassionate communication with hospital staff, medical examiners, coroners, and funeral home personnel to coordinate tissue recovery logistics.
Manage and maintain an accurate, real-time inventory of all recovered tissue, processing supplies, and laboratory reagents using a database or Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Collect and prepare blood specimens from donors for serological testing to screen for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance and quality control checks on all laboratory and recovery equipment to ensure operational readiness and accuracy.
Participate in a rotating on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to donor referrals and perform recoveries in a timely manner.
Strictly adhere to all organizational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment and ensure the quality of tissue.
Assist in obtaining and documenting informed consent/authorization for donation from the donor's next-of-kin in a sensitive and respectful manner.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to donor trends, tissue utilization, and quality metrics.
Contribute to the organization's quality assurance and process improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement and providing constructive feedback.
Collaborate with clinical and administrative departments to ensure seamless workflow and communication from donor referral through to final tissue placement.
Participate in professional development activities and training to maintain CEBT certification and stay current with evolving EBAA Medical Standards and FDA regulations.
Assist in training new technicians and fellows, providing mentorship and guidance on recovery techniques, tissue evaluation, and documentation.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of recovery kits, vehicles, and supply storage areas, ensuring all materials are stocked and within their expiration dates.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by ensuring accurate and timely data entry.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if applicable, or in regular departmental meetings and quality reviews.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aseptic/Sterile Technique: Proven ability to work in a sterile field without contamination.
Medical Chart Review: Expertise in reading and interpreting complex medical records and lab results.
Slit Lamp & Specular Microscopy: Hands-on experience evaluating corneal tissue with specialized ophthalmic equipment.
Anatomical Knowledge: Strong understanding of human anatomy, particularly ocular structures.
EBAA & FDA Regulations: In-depth knowledge of the regulatory framework governing tissue banking.
Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS): Proficiency in using database software for tracking and documentation.
Tissue Recovery & Processing: Demonstrated skill in the surgical recovery and laboratory handling of biological tissue.
Quality Control Procedures: Experience performing and documenting quality checks on equipment and processes.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: Critical for error-free documentation and evaluation.
Compassion & Empathy: Ability to handle sensitive situations involving donor families and the deceased with respect.
Strong Communication: Clear and professional verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders.
Stress Tolerance & Composure: Ability to work effectively and make critical decisions under pressure and in emotionally charged situations.
Independent Work Ethic: Self-motivated and able to perform duties with minimal supervision, especially during on-call hours.
Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues, analyzing causes, and implementing effective solutions.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to a fluctuating, unpredictable on-call schedule and varying work environments.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well within a team to achieve shared goals and ensure seamless handoffs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School diploma or equivalent. An Associate's degree in a related field is often required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant scientific field.
Certification as an Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) from the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Biology / Microbiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Health Sciences / Medical Technology
Mortuary Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a direct patient care, surgical, laboratory, or tissue/organ recovery setting.

Preferred:

Prior experience as an Eye Bank Technician or in another tissue/organ procurement organization.
Experience working in a sterile environment such as an operating room or cleanroom.
Background in ophthalmology, surgical technology, or as a paramedic/EMT.