Optometric Assistant

Visionworks•Brockport, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant helps provide a positive patient experience by preparing patients for onsite or remote examinations, performing preliminary diagnostic tests, and explaining the examination process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and supports the initial stages of the patient journey. The position supports onsite and remote eye examinations, patient registration and records, insurance preauthorization, appointment scheduling, patient flow, contact lens education and orders, and communication of doctors’ recommendations to retail associates. It also includes maintaining clinical equipment and supplies, completing required training and certifications, and traveling to other locations when business needs require. Associates must comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements. This is a union position with competitive pay and benefits; specific terms are established by the Company’s collective bargaining agreement. Pay is $17 to $25.50 per hour, with incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.

Requirements

One year of related experience.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
Medical office or business professionalism.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and advocate for patients.
Ability to initiate interaction, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
Strong attention to detail and organization.
Clear and effective communication with associates and patients.
Ability to work under stress, interruptions, and deadlines.
Energetic, self-motivated, and a team player, with strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
Ability to demonstrate empathy in interactions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms; follow procedures and instructions; and read English.
Ability to operate electronic software platforms and enter data efficiently and accurately.
Ability to use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
Ability to work changing schedules and travel between stores.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds and reaching above the shoulder continuously.

Nice To Haves

Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete patient registration and enter pertinent medical history and ocular health information into the EMR.
Assist the onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations.
Explain and administer preliminary and specialty tests, and accurately document results in the EMR.
For remote appointments, guide patients through the remote examination process, initiate video conferencing with the remote technician and doctor, and assist with additional testing.
After examinations, communicate the doctor’s recommendations to a retail associate.
Explain MVC plan benefits to patients and preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
Work with retail associates to schedule appointments and manage exam books, including contacting patients who miss or cancel appointments.
Maintain patient flow to support doctor effectiveness.
Answer patients’ clinical questions in person and by telephone; triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to company standards.
Instruct patients on contact lens insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and handling.
Place diagnostic contact lens orders, maintain stock, notify patients when lenses are available, and pull requested contact lens trials accurately.
Maintain doctor equipment and clinical supplies, and ensure equipment is covered nightly.
Participate in specialized training and complete required clinical certifications.
Work flexible schedules and travel to other locations as business demands require.
Protect confidential information and comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements.
Complete additional essential responsibilities as assigned in response to changing business needs.