VCS Health Tech (Optician) Waco TX

Veterans Health Administration • Waco, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Health Tech (Optician) to support operations at the VCS Optical Shop at the Waco, Texas VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping provide an exceptional experience for Veterans.

The role assists customers with eyewear selection and purchasing, performs fittings and optical measurements, processes orders, and documents patient information and measurements in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). It also coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and address issues, while maintaining eyewear displays, merchandise records, and inventory protection.

Employment is subject to a one-year trial period. The employee must receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to continue employment after the trial period. Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959, and the position is subject to a background/security investigation. A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with VCS.

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 corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
• 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.
• Subject to a background/security investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must serve a one-year trial period and receive written certification of continued employment to remain employed after that period.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming environment while helping patients make informed eyewear decisions.
• Fit eyewear and obtain 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.
• Promote 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 issues involving missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear.
• 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

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type, and candidates are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

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