VCS Health Tech (Optician) Missouri Area
About The Position
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Columbia and Rolla, Missouri VA Medical Centers. The role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver service to Veterans. The position assists customers with eyewear selection and purchasing, performs fittings and optical measurements, processes orders, and coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to resolve order issues. It also supports inventory control and the presentation of eyewear merchandise. As a condition of employment, the employee must serve a one-year trial period. Employment is subject to Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959, and a background/security investigation.
Requirements
- Certification by the applicable State Board of Opticianry.
- 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.
- Current, valid REAL ID required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
- High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
- Serve a one-year trial period as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
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 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.
- 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
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
