VCS Health Tech (Optician) Arizona area

Veterans Health Administration•Gilbert, AZ

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 Phoenix/Gilbert, Arizona VA Medical Center. This position coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver service to Veterans. The role assists customers with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines; performs eyewear fittings and optical measurements; documents patient information and measurements in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS); and processes eyewear orders, payments, and sales documentation. It also coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve problems. The position supports inventory and merchandise management, including maintaining displays and protecting inventory and fixed assets. Employment is subject to a one-year trial period, background/security investigation, and applicable Selective Service registration requirements. A current, valid REAL ID is required. The employer describes a comprehensive federal employee benefits package, but directs candidates to the hiring agency for details about the specific benefits offered.

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.
High school diploma or GED.
Current, valid REAL ID.
Subject to a background/security investigation.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must serve a one-year trial period and receive written certification to continue employment after its completion.

Responsibilities

Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
Maintain a professional, welcoming environment and support patients in making 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 eyewear displays in a clean, organized, and visually appealing manner.
Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.