Optometric Technician

Optometric Technician
Valley Health Partners Community Vision Center

Job Summary
Performs a variety of patient care, administrative, and technical tasks to ensure efficient clinic operations and a positive patient experience. Responsibilities include preparing patients for exams, collecting medical history, conducting preliminary testing, and assisting with diagnostic equipment. The Optometric Technician also helps with scheduling, documentation, and maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide compassionate, professional service to patients.

Work Experience

• One-year relevant experience and/or training.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Equivalent combination of education in optometric or ophthalmology practice.

Licenses & Certifications

• BLS upon hire.
• Work toward Paraoptometric Certification.

Needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the meaning and use of medical and optometric terminology and abbreviations.
• Basic eye anatomy and common ocular conditions.
• Knowledge of Pre-testing equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of Medical and vision insurance processes.
• Ability to operate diagnostic optometric equipment.
• Knowledge of patient rights and laws relative to those rights, such as HIPAA.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to effectively communicate with patients to record initial patient history, including present/chief complaint, past ocular history, family history, systemic illness, medications, allergies, and drug reactions.
• Excellent computer skills to enter patient history, medication and transcribe physician's dictation into patient charts as needed.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the team over the individual.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and patient volumes.
• Ability to work with patients of all ages.

Essential Functions:

Assist Optometrists with clinical tasks as directed.

• Perform preliminary evaluation of patients prior to exam by the Optometrist, such as dilation and review of systems.

• Perform verbal interview with patients prior to visit with Optometrist to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit for communication to Optometrist prior to appointment.

• Records and maintains patient records / files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA)

• Assists Optometrist to care for patients in a timely, effective manner, as closely to appointed schedule as much as possible.

• Respond to patient's telephone inquiries under the supervision of the Optometrist.

• Perform pre-test procedures, including:
  Visual acuity testing
  Tonometry
  Visual fields
  Fundus photography
  OCT testing

• Educate patients on contact lens insertion, removal, and care.

• Clean and sterilize equipment according to clinical protocols.

• Verify insurance eligibility and assist with prior authorizations when needed.

• Manage patient flow to ensure efficient clinic operations.

• Assist with emergency eye situations as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Management/Leadership Team.

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Floats to other locations as assigned based on business needs.

Benefits:

• Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans with great coverage at VERY affordable rates.
• 403b Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Paid Time Off for holidays, vacation, sick & personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.