VCS Health Tech (Optician) Palo Alto CA

Veterans Health Administration•Palo Alto, CA

9d•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 Palo Alto, California VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver service to Veterans. The role involves assisting customers with eyewear selection and purchases, performing fittings and optical measurements, processing orders, coordinating with clinics and vendors to resolve order issues, and maintaining eyewear displays and inventory. Employees are required to serve a one-year trial period. Continued employment after that period requires written certification that it 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.
A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
High school diploma or GED required.
Serve a one-year trial period; continued employment after the period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Subject to background/security investigation.

Responsibilities

Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
Maintain a professional, welcoming environment and help patients make informed eyewear decisions.
Fit eyewear and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment and tools.
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.