VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Durham NC

Veterans Health Administration • Durham, NC

10d • 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 Durham, NC VA Medical Center. The role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, with the goal of enhancing the experience for Veterans.

The position provides customer assistance with eyewear selection and sales, performs fittings and optical measurements, processes orders, coordinates with clinics and vendors to resolve order issues, and supports inventory and merchandise management.

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 optical verification and quality assurance, 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, a 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 high school diploma or GED.
• A current, valid REAL ID.
• Completion of a one-year trial period, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• 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.
• Perform eyewear fittings 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; eligibility depends on position type. Specific benefits should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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