VCS Health Tech (Optician) Knoxville TN

Veterans Health Administration • Knoxville, TN

2d • 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 Knoxville, TN VA Medical Center. The position coordinates optical operations and serves as a key liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping enhance the experience for Veterans.

The role includes assisting customers with eyewear choices, performing fittings and measurements, processing orders and payments, coordinating with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors, resolving order issues, and maintaining eyewear displays and inventory.

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.
• Current, valid REAL ID required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must serve a one-year trial period, during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to a background/security investigation.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist 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.
• 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.
• Keep eyewear displays clean, organized, and visually appealing.
• Support merchandise control, pricing, recordkeeping, and protection of inventory and fixed assets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; employees and their families have access to a range of benefits. Specific benefits depend on position type and 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