Optometric Assistant Part Time

Visionworks • Narragansett, RI

3d • $17 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant helps provide a positive patient experience by preparing patients for onsite or remote examinations, completing preliminary diagnostic testing, explaining the process, and acting as a liaison between patients and optometrists. The role supports the initial stages of the patient journey and helps maintain patient flow so doctors can work effectively.

The position includes registering patients and entering medical history and ocular health information into the electronic medical record (EMR); assisting doctors with examinations; conducting and recording preliminary and specialty tests; and supporting remote appointments through video conferencing and additional testing. After an exam, the associate communicates the doctor's recommendations to a retail associate. Other duties include answering clinical questions, triaging ocular emergencies, scheduling exams, handling insurance preauthorization, supporting appointment books, and maintaining accurate patient records.

The associate also provides contact lens instruction, places and tracks diagnostic lens orders, maintains familiarity with lens brands and parameters, and prepares trial lenses as requested. The role includes maintaining clinical equipment and supplies, completing required training and certifications, and working flexible schedules that may require travel between store locations. Associates must comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements.

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, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.
• Energetic, self-motivated, and a team player.
• Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to show empathy in interactions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms.
• Ability to 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, including travel between stores.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds and reaching above shoulder level continuously.

Nice To Haves

• Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Register patients and collect and enter medical history and ocular health information into the EMR.
• Assist the onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations.
• Explain preliminary testing to patients, administer tests, and accurately document results in the EMR.
• Support remote examinations by performing pre-testing and specialty testing, starting video conferences with remote technicians and doctors, assisting with additional testing, and documenting results.
• After examinations, transition patients to retail associates and communicate the doctor's recommendations.
• Explain MVC plan benefits to patients.
• Preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
• Partner 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 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.
• Order diagnostic contact lenses, maintain stock, notify patients when lenses are available, and pull requested trial lenses accurately.
• Maintain working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters.
• Maintain doctor equipment and clinical supplies, and ensure equipment is covered nightly.
• Participate in specialized training and complete required clinical certifications.
• Work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands, including travel to other locations.
• Comply with HIPAA requirements and company privacy and security guidelines.
• Complete additional essential responsibilities assigned in response to changing business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits for union-position compensation, with specific terms governed by the collective bargaining agreement.
• Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities may be available.

What This Job Offers

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