Optometric Assistant

Visionworks•New Hartford, NY

1d•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 examination process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial stages of the patient journey. The position includes patient registration and recordkeeping, supporting doctors during examinations, facilitating remote eye exams, coordinating patient transitions to retail associates, explaining plan benefits, and assisting with appointment scheduling and patient flow. It also involves contact lens education and ordering, maintaining clinical equipment and supplies, completing required training and certifications, and working flexible schedules that may include travel between store locations. The position is performed inside a store location and uses computers, electronic tablets, pre-testing instruments, and other clinical equipment. Associates must protect patient and other confidential information and comply with HIPAA and the company’s privacy and security requirements. The posting describes a full-time role with pay of $17 to $25.50 per hour, plus incentive opportunities; compensation terms are also governed by the company’s collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

One year of related experience.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
Professionalism in a medical office or business setting.
Strong customer service and communication skills, including clear communication with patients and associates.
Ability to initiate interaction, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
Detail-oriented and well-organized approach.
Ability to work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.
Energetic, self-motivated, and able to work as part of a team.
Problem-solving ability and ability to multitask.
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 accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work changing schedules and travel between stores to meet business demands.
Ability to use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
Ability to reach above shoulder continuously.
Ability to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick, or pinch, and talk or hear for most of the work time; occasional walking and reaching with hands and arms; and frequent lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds.
Ability to comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements.

Nice To Haves

Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

Register patients 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 preliminary testing to patients, administer preliminary tests, and accurately document results in the EMR.
For remote appointments, guide patients through pre-testing and specialty testing, document results, initiate video conferencing with remote technicians and doctors, and assist with additional testing required for remote exams.
After examinations, transition patients to retail associates and convey the doctor’s recommendations.
Understand MVC plans and explain plan benefits to patients.
Preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
Partner with retail associates to schedule appointments and manage exam books according to company guidelines, including contacting patients who do not show up or cancel.
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 proper handling.
Place diagnostic contact lens orders, maintain stock, notify patients when lenses are available, and pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
Maintain knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters.
Maintain doctor equipment and clinical supplies, keep the patient environment clean and healthy, 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, privacy policies, and company data security guidelines.
Complete additional essential responsibilities as identified and assigned.