VCS Health Tech (Optician) Tuscaloosa AL

Veterans Health Administration•Tuscaloosa, AL

16h•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 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 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 assists customers with eyewear choices, performs fittings and measurements, processes orders and payments, coordinates with clinics and vendors to resolve order issues, and supports inventory and merchandise management. Optical measurements and patient information are documented in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

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, 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 current, valid REAL ID is required.
High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
Must serve a one-year trial period and receive written certification to continue employment after its completion.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Subject to background and 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 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.