VCS Health Tech (Optician) Salem VA

Veterans Health Administration • Salem, VA

1d • Onsite

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 Salem, VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams to help enhance the experience for Veterans.

The role provides customer assistance with eyewear selection and orders, performs fittings and optical measurements, documents patient information, and coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to resolve order issues. It also supports sales processing and inventory and merchandise management.

As a condition of employment, the employee must serve a one-year trial period. Continued employment after the trial period requires written certification that it advances the public interest. 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 appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to identify and resolve 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.
• Serve a one-year trial period as a condition of employment.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.

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 the protection of inventory and fixed assets.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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