Optician Apprentice (NL)

Columbia Basin Health Association•Othello, WA

6h•$20 - $24

About The Position

The Optician Apprentice assists patients with ophthalmic eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and performs optical lab, patient service, inventory, payment, scheduling, and administrative duties. The role processes prescription lenses using optical lab equipment, prepares and verifies eyewear, helps patients select and care for glasses and contact lenses, and supports the department and front desk as needed. Salary range: $20.04–$23.55, depending on experience, with the possibility of a higher rate for highly experienced candidates.

Requirements

Basic mathematical knowledge typically acquired through completion of a high school program.
Ability to obtain knowledge of contact lens fitting and eyeglass ordering, adjustment, and repair.
Ability to obtain knowledge of eye care appointment types and scheduling.
Working knowledge of computer terminals, computer software, calculators, and telephones.
Ability to prepare basic correspondence and simple reports in Microsoft Word or Excel.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a group.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from clients and the general public.
Proficiency in speaking, reading, and translating both English and Spanish.
Ability to resolve and document clinical issues, complaints, and unexpected incidents.
Ability to communicate clearly with vendors, manufacturers, and insurance companies.

Responsibilities

Operate optical lab equipment, including lens blockers and edgers, to process prescription lenses.
Enter prescriptions into blocker and edger systems, select appropriate lens blanks through the online ordering portal, and block, cut, edge, and polish lenses to prescription and frame specifications.
Mount and dismount lenses, including removing and installing lenses in frames.
Inspect finished lenses for prescription accuracy, measurements, quality, and fit; identify and correct defects or processing errors.
Perform routine optical lab equipment maintenance, including scheduled edger water changes, and keep work areas clean and operational.
Monitor lab supplies and report equipment maintenance needs or malfunctions.
Fill prescriptions based on eye care consultations and consult with patients about their current lens prescriptions.
Recommend lenses, coatings, and frames, and assist patients with frame selection.
Measure bridge and eye size, temple length, segment height, pupillary distance, and optical centers according to Optometry Association guidelines.
Prepare work orders and production instructions, and verify that finished lenses match specifications.
Adjust eyeglasses by heating, bending, and shaping plastic or metal frames; repair damaged frames, lens edges, and coatings.
Instruct clients on adapting to, wearing, and caring for eyeglasses.
Sell contact lenses and assist patients in contact lens insertion and removal classes.
Select and order display frames and maintain monthly inventory counts.
Calculate sales, collect payments, enter V-codes for hardware purchases for insurance or self-pay billing, post payments, and balance the cash till according to cash-handling protocols.
Generate weekly reports covering order status, inventory, pending invoices, and lenses sold.
Review patient reports daily and call patients who are overdue for appointments to help maintain a full provider schedule.
Assist and provide instructions and training to coworkers in the department.
Provide front desk support when needed, including registering patients using two identifiers at check-in and scheduling recall visits at departure.
Verify insurance eligibility and routine and hardware benefits for each insured patient before the visit.
Answer incoming calls about scheduling and general eye care information according to CBHA scheduling protocols.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Promote a positive work culture and follow clinic policies and procedures, including WE CARE standards of behavior.