Optometric Assistant

Visionworks • Rome, NY

2d • $17 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant supports a positive patient experience by preparing patients for onsite and/or remote examinations, completing preliminary diagnostic tests, and explaining the process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and supports the initial stages of the patient journey. Training is provided.

The position is part-time and pays $17 to $25.50 per hour. It involves working inside a store location and may require flexible schedules and travel between stores to meet business demands. The role requires compliance with HIPAA and company privacy and security policies, including protecting confidential patient and customer information. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs change.

Requirements

• One year of related experience.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
• Medical office or business professionalism.
• Excellent customer service and clear, effective communication with patients and associates.
• Ability to initiate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work under stress, interruptions, and deadlines; multitask; and solve problems.
• Ability to show empathy and work as a team player; energetic and self-motivated.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms; follow procedures and instructions; and read English.
• Ability to operate electronic software platforms efficiently and accurately and enter data.
• Ability to use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
• Ability to work changing schedules and travel between stores.
• Ability to reach above shoulder continuously; sit, stand, handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear for much of the time; occasionally walk and reach with hands and arms; and frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to perform the role’s visual demands, including close vision at 20 inches or less.
• Ability to comply with HIPAA and company data security requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete patient registration and gather and submit pertinent patient information, including medical history and ocular health data, in the EMR.
• Assist the onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations; explain, administer, and accurately document preliminary tests.
• Support remote eye examinations by performing pre-testing and specialty testing, initiating video conferences with remote technicians and doctors, assisting with additional testing, and documenting results in the EMR.
• After examinations, transition patients to retail associates and convey the doctor’s recommendations.
• Explain MVC 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 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 in contact lens insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and handling.
• Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock, notify patients when lenses are available, maintain working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters, and pull requested trial lenses 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 needed to meet changing business demands.
• Comply with HIPAA requirements and company privacy and security guidelines.
• Complete additional essential responsibilities as identified and assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits are offered for union positions; specific terms are set forth in the company’s collective bargaining agreement.
• Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities are available.
• The compensation package may include eligible bonuses, equity, and commissions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED