Optician- Forest Grove Eye Clinic

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for providing optical services and administrative support at the Forest Grove Eye Clinic. This role involves greeting patients, assisting with frame selection, dispensing, adjusting, and repairing eyewear. The Optician will also manage prescription orders, verify their completeness, process them according to third-party payer requirements, track order status, and ensure materials received from labs are accurate. Maintaining communication with patients regarding order status, notifying them when orders are ready, and responding to inquiries are key aspects of this position. The Optician will serve as a technical resource for interns, staff optometrists, and faculty on optical products and managed care coverage, requiring up-to-date industry knowledge. Maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA policies is essential. The role includes processing patient orders, collecting fees, documenting patient care, posting payments, and updating the electronic health record (EHR). Collaboration with reception staff for coordinated patient care is also expected. The position may involve performing other related duties as assigned and exploring ways to improve clinical operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years practical experience in dispensing or documented successful completion of a one year or longer academic program in dispensing opticianry or optical technology with a dispensing emphasis.
• Must possess or obtain ABO Certification within one year of hire date.
• Communicates with students, faculty, staff and the public appropriate to the age of the individual served.
• Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Asks questions and seeks assistance.
• Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.
• Demonstrates confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all students, faculty and staff.
• Maintains proper appearance and personal conduct.
• Uses effective communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong word processing and database management skills.
• Working knowledge of computers and standard office equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to support, and maintain diversity among students, faculty, and staff and works to establish and maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to apply good judgment and a professional manner when interacting with students, patients, faculty, optometric physicians, co-workers, and others in the health care community.
• Proven ability to work within the guidelines of good Optometric practice.
• Professional appearance and a high level of self-motivation and interest in optometry program development.
• Must comply with HIPAA rules and procedures.
• Must possess the skills and motivation necessary to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to respect the roles and challenges of staff, students, faculty, College administration, and other members of the University community.
• Must be highly organized, flexible, sensitive to meeting deadlines, able to exercise good judgment in prioritizing and developing efficient work methods.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual-English and Spanish Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet and provide optical assistance to patients and student interns, including frame selection, dispensing, adjusting, and repairs.
• Respond to telephone inquiries with professionalism and strong customer service skills.
• Determine specific data for prescription orders and verify completeness of orders prepared by students.
• Process orders based on appropriate third-party payer requirements.
• Track status of orders and determine causes for delays.
• Provide for verification of materials received from labs.
• Maintain communications with patients regarding order status, including notifying them when orders are ready for dispensing.
• Respond to optical-related inquiries.
• Serve as a technical resource to interns, staff optometrists, and faculty regarding optical products and managed care coverage of materials.
• Maintain current knowledge on latest developments in the industry.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA policy and procedures.
• Process patient orders including collection of fees, proper patient care documentation, posting payments, and updating/verifying information in the EHR.
• Work closely with reception office staff to ensure proper coordination of patient care activities.
• Perform other position-related or implied tasks.
• Work with Directors and administrative staff to continuously explore ways to improve clinical hands-on student experience.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

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