Optometric Assistant

Visionworks•Hewlett, NY

3d•$18 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant helps provide a positive patient experience by preparing patients for onsite and remote examinations, completing preliminary diagnostic tests, and explaining the process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and supports the initial steps of the patient journey. The position provides onsite and remote examination support, patient registration and recordkeeping, insurance preauthorization, appointment coordination, and contact lens instruction and ordering. It also helps maintain patient flow, clinical equipment, and supplies; answers clinical questions and triages ocular emergencies; and completes required training and clinical certifications. The role is part-time, based inside a store location, and may require flexible schedules and travel between locations. Associates must comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements, including protecting confidential patient and customer information. VSP is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace with pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Requirements

One year of related experience.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
Medical office/business professionalism.
Excellent customer service and clear, effective communication with patients and associates.
Ability to initiate interaction, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work under stress with interruptions and deadlines, multitask, and solve problems.
Ability to show empathy, work as a team player, and remain energetic and self-motivated.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms; follow procedures and instructions; and read English.
Ability to efficiently and accurately operate electronic software platforms and enter data.
Ability to work changing schedules and travel between stores.
Ability to use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and perform the listed physical activities, including reaching above the shoulder continuously.

Nice To Haves

Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

Register patients and gather and enter pertinent medical history and ocular health information into the electronic medical record (EMR).
Assist the onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations; explain and administer preliminary tests and accurately record results in the EMR.
Guide patients through remote eye examinations, including pre-testing and specialty testing, initiating video conferences with remote technicians and doctors, and assisting with additional testing.
After examinations, transition patients to retail associates and communicate the doctor's recommendations.
Understand MVC plans and explain plan benefits to patients.
Preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
Work with retail associates to schedule appointments and manage exam books according to company guidelines, including contacting patients who miss or cancel appointments.
Maintain patient flow to support doctor effectiveness.
Answer clinical questions in person and by telephone, triage ocular emergencies, and schedule annual eye examinations.
Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to company standards.
Instruct patients in contact lens insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling.
Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock, notify patients when lenses are available, understand contact lens brands and parameters, and pull requested trial lenses accurately.
Maintain doctor equipment and clinical supplies, keep the patient environment clean and healthy, and cover equipment nightly.
Participate in specialized training and complete required clinical certifications.
Work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands, including travel to other locations.
Follow HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements and protect confidential information.
Complete additional essential responsibilities as identified and assigned.