VCS Health Tech (Optician) Tampa FL

Veterans Health Administration • Lakeland, FL

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 Tampa, New Port Richey, and Lakeland, Florida VA Medical Centers. The role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping deliver service to Veterans.

The position assists customers with eyewear selection and product information, performs fittings and optical measurements, processes orders and payments, and coordinates with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to resolve order issues. It also supports inventory, merchandise presentation, pricing, and recordkeeping.

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; continued employment after the trial period requires written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• 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.
• Fit eyewear and take 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.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position 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