VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Somerset KY
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 Somerset, Kentucky VA Medical Center. The role coordinates optical operations and serves as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams to help enhance the experience of Veterans. The position assists customers with eyewear selection and purchases, performs fittings and optical measurements, processes orders and payments, coordinates with clinics and vendors to resolve order issues, and supports inventory and merchandise management. Employees must serve a one-year trial period, during which the agency evaluates fitness for the position and whether continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
- Current, valid REAL ID required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Serve a one-year trial period; continued employment after the trial period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
- Subject to 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.
- Promote appropriate lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative, no-pressure 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 eligibility and benefits depend on position type, and candidates are advised to contact the hiring agency for details.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
