VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Minnesota Area

Veterans Health Administration • Maplewood, MN

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 Minneapolis/Maplewood 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 includes assisting customers with frame selection and eyewear decisions; fitting eyewear and taking optical measurements; processing orders, payments, and sales documentation; coordinating with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors; resolving order and product issues; and maintaining eyewear displays and inventory.

Employment is subject to a one-year trial period. Additional conditions include Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959, and 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.
• 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 12/31/1959.

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 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 to eligible employees; eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

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