Optometric Assistant Part Time

Visionworks • Rome, NY

1d • 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 testing, and explaining the examination process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and supports the initial stages of the patient journey. It also helps maintain patient flow and accurate records, supports contact lens services, and coordinates with retail associates and remote clinical staff.

The position requires work at store locations and may involve travel between locations to meet business needs. Associates must protect patient and other confidential information and comply with HIPAA requirements and company privacy and security guidelines. Training is provided, and associates participate in specialized training and required clinical certifications. This is a union position; compensation terms are governed 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 work changing schedules and travel between stores to meet business demands.
• Ability to provide customer service, communicate clearly, coordinate and collaborate with patients and team members, and show empathy.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, multitasking, and ability to work under stress, interruptions, and deadlines.
• 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 use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
• Ability to meet physical demands including frequent lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds, reaching above the shoulder, and periods of sitting, standing, walking, and using hands and fingers.

Nice To Haves

• Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Register patients and collect and enter medical history and ocular health information into the electronic medical record (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.
• Guide patients through remote eye examinations, including pre-testing and specialty testing, initiating video conferences with remote technicians and doctors, documenting results, and assisting with additional testing.
• Transition patients to retail associates after examinations and communicate the doctor’s recommendations.
• Explain MVC plan benefits to patients and preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate appointment scheduling and exam books with retail associates, 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, maintain stock, notify patients when lenses are available, and pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
• Maintain clinical supplies and doctor equipment, 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.
• 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 are provided; specific terms are set forth in the company’s collective bargaining agreement.
• Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities are available.

What This Job Offers

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