VCS Health Tech (Optician)- DC/MD

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is hiring experienced and motivated Health Techs (Opticians) to support its optical shops at the Washington, DC, and Charlotte Hall, Maryland VA Medical Centers. The role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping provide a positive eyewear experience for Veterans.

The position assists customers with frame selection, prices, product options, and delivery timelines; performs eyewear fittings and optical measurements; documents patient information and measurements in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS); processes eyewear orders and payments; and coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues. It also supports inventory control and keeps eyewear displays organized and appealing.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience working as an Optician.
• Ability to work independently, manage responsibilities efficiently, and maintain high standards of patient service.
• Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action.
• Skill in identifying and resolving optical issues, including prescription verification, transitions verification, optical center alignment, segment height accuracy, and appropriate frame selection.
• Proficiency with optical equipment and tools, including adjustment and bench tools, lensometer and lens clock, frame heater, PD ruler and pupilometer, penlight and interpupillary measuring devices, frame and lens cleaning products, thickness caliper, vertex densometer, tolerance charts, and visual acuity charts.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Current, valid REAL ID required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must serve a one-year trial period; continued employment after the trial period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming environment and help patients make informed eyewear decisions.
• Fit eyewear and take accurate measurements using optical equipment.
• Document patient information and measurements in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, prepare sales documentation, and enter orders into contractor and VA systems.
• Recommend appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure sales approach.
• Coordinate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear issues.
• Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing eyewear displays.
• Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type, and candidates are advised to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED