Optometric Assistant Part Time

Visionworks•Riverhead, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant helps provide 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. The position includes patient registration and recordkeeping, assisting with examinations, supporting remote eye exams, coordinating patient flow and appointments, handling insurance preauthorization, and communicating doctor recommendations to retail associates. It also involves answering clinical questions, triaging ocular emergencies, supporting contact lens education and orders, and maintaining clinical equipment and supplies. Training is provided, and the position requires schedule flexibility and travel between store locations to meet business needs.

Requirements

One year of related experience.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
Medical office or business professionalism.
Excellent customer service and patient advocacy skills.
Ability to initiate interaction, coordinate, and collaborate with patients and team members.
Strong attention to detail and organization.
Clear and effective communication skills.
Ability to work under stress, interruptions, and deadlines; multitask; and solve problems.
Energetic, self-motivated, and able to work as a team member.
Empathy in interactions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms and follow procedures and instructions.
Ability to read English.
Ability to operate electronic software platforms and enter data efficiently and accurately.
Ability to work changing schedules and travel between stores.
Ability to use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
Ability to reach above shoulder continuously; handle the physical demands of sitting, standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching, and communicating; and frequently lift or move up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work in a moderately noisy store environment.

Nice To Haves

Optical or healthcare background.

Responsibilities

Register patients and enter relevant medical history and ocular health information into the electronic medical record (EMR).
Assist the onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations.
Explain and administer preliminary tests and accurately document results in the EMR.
For remote appointments, assist patients with pre-testing and specialty testing, initiate video conferencing with the remote technician and doctor, and support any additional testing required.
Transition patients to a retail associate after the exam and communicate the doctor's recommendations.
Explain MVC plan benefits to patients and 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 on contact lens insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and handling.
Place diagnostic contact lens orders, maintain stock, and notify patients when lenses are ready for dispensing.
Maintain working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters, and pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
Maintain a clean and healthy patient environment, care for doctor equipment and clinical supplies, and cover equipment nightly.
Participate in specialized training and complete required clinical certifications.
Work flexible schedules and travel to other locations as business needs require.
Comply with HIPAA requirements and company privacy and security guidelines.
Complete additional essential responsibilities as assigned in response to changing business needs.