Optometric Assistant

Visionworks•Ithaca, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant helps ensure a positive patient experience by preparing patients for onsite and remote examinations, completing preliminary diagnostic tests, and explaining each step of the process. The role serves as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and supports the initial stages of the patient journey. The associate registers patients, gathers medical history and ocular health information, assists doctors with patient care and examinations, conducts and documents preliminary and specialty testing, and facilitates remote examinations. After examinations, the associate communicates doctor recommendations to retail associates, supports insurance preauthorization, appointment scheduling, patient flow, and follow-up, and answers clinical questions. The role also handles contact lens instruction, orders, inventory, and trials, and maintains clinical equipment and supplies. The position requires flexible scheduling and travel between store locations to meet business demands. Training is provided, and associates must complete required clinical certifications. Associates must comply with HIPAA and company privacy and security requirements. This is a union position with competitive pay and benefits; pay is $17 to $25.50 per hour, with incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available. Specific compensation terms are set forth in the 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.
Excellent customer service skills and a patient-advocate approach.
Ability to initiate interaction, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
Strong attention to detail and organization.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with associates and patients.
Ability to work under stress, interruptions, and deadlines.
Energetic, self-motivated, and able to work as part of a team.
Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities, and empathy in interactions.
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, including travel between stores.
Ability to reach above shoulder continuously.
Ability to sit, stand, handle, feel, pick or pinch with hands and fingers, and talk or hear for most of the time; occasionally walk and reach with hands and arms; and frequently lift or move up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Optical or healthcare background preferred.

Responsibilities

Register patients and gather and enter pertinent 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.
Guide patients through remote eye examinations, including pre-testing and specialty testing; initiate video conferences with remote technicians and doctors and assist with additional testing.
Transition patients to retail associates after examinations and communicate the doctor's recommendations.
Understand MVC plans and explain plan benefits to patients.
Preauthorize insurance according to standard operating procedures.
Schedule appointments and manage 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.
Order diagnostic contact lenses, maintain stock, notify patients when lenses are available, understand contact lens brands and parameters, and pull trials when requested by the doctor.
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 business demands require.
Comply with HIPAA requirements and company privacy and security guidelines.
Complete additional essential responsibilities as assigned in response to changing business needs.