Optometric Technician

Aria Community Health Center•Hanford, CA

72d•$21 - $22•Hybrid

About The Position

The Optometric Technician supports comprehensive eye care services in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) setting by combining optical dispensing expertise with clinical pretesting and diagnostic support. This role provides exceptional patient service across the full optical journey, from intake and pretesting through frame/lens consultation, order processing, eyewear verification, fitting, and education. The role documents care and patient information in the electronic health record (EHR), helps maintain efficient clinic flow, and supports a safe, clean, and culturally responsive environment for diverse patient populations. Clinical testing, dilation, and medication/eye drop instillation are performed under the direction of the Optometrist and in accordance with clinic protocols, applicable regulations, and scope of practice. This position supports operations at two locations and requires regular travel between sites, Hanford and Riverdale.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Demonstrated knowledge of lens materials, designs, coatings, optical math, and eyewear troubleshooting; ability to perform accurate measurements and adjustments.
Demonstrated ability to perform pretesting and operate diagnostic equipment as trained, strong attention to detail.
Proficiency with EHR systems and optical ordering software; accurate documentation skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills; ability to work in a fast paced, team based environment.
Ability to work during all open clinic/optical hours.
Hearing: Sufficient to engage with patients and staff in person and by telephone.
Speaking: Clear verbal communication to convey medical and operational information.
Vision: Visual acuity adequate for reading printed materials and viewing electronic screens.
Cognitive Abilities: Aptitude to complete tasks, including abilities such as learning, remembering, focusing, categorizing, and integrating information for decision making, problem solving, and comprehending.
Motor Function & Mobility: Ability to move within the work environment to complete tasks and interact with others.
Occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 10 pounds without assistance.
Frequent standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and other movements typical of a standard workday.
Regular use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, operating tools or equipment, and handling materials.
Some pushing and pulling required during daily tasks.

Nice To Haves

Optometric Technician/Assistant certification (e.g., CPO/CPOT) preferred.
Current ABO certification preferred; NCLE certification strongly preferred.
Minimum 2 years of experience in optical dispensing and/or optometry clinic setting preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet and room patients; confirm identity and collect/verify demographics, chief complaint, and relevant ocular/medical history; document accurately in the EHR.
Perform and document preliminary testing, which may include visual acuity, pupil assessment, binocular status, extraocular muscle function, color vision, confrontation fields, autorefraction, keratometry, and tonometry, per protocol.
Perform special testing as ordered and trained; recognize and promptly report abnormal findings to the Optometrist.
Prepare patients for examination, including instilling drops (e.g., dilation/anesthetic) when ordered and authorized by Optometrist; provide patient education and comfort measures.
Assist the Optometrist during examinations and minor procedures as assigned, including scribing and accurately recording findings and plans.
Clean, disinfect, calibrate, and maintain diagnostic and exam equipment between patients; troubleshoot basic issues and coordinate repairs; maintain adequate supplies.
Interpret and analyze spectacle and contact lens prescriptions to recommend appropriate lens designs, materials, and coatings aligned with clinical needs, safety, and patient lifestyle.
Assist patients in selecting frames and lens options; perform accurate measurements (monocular/binocular PD, seg height/fitting height, OC placement, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, face form/wrap) to support optimal fit and vision.
Create, verify, and process optical orders in optical software and EHR interfaces with a high degree of accuracy; ensure documentation supports billing, authorization, and delivery.
Communicate with optical laboratories regarding specifications, order status, remakes, and troubleshooting; track, receive, inspect, and dispense completed eyewear.
Fit, adjust, and repair eyewear (alignment, temple adjustments, nose pads, screws, minor parts replacement) and educate patients on wear, care, troubleshooting, and warranty.
Provide contact lens training for new wearers and reinforce safe wear and care instructions.
Support patient flow across the clinic and optical dispensary; coordinate hand off with front desk, providers, and care teams; assist with scheduling and insurance verification as needed.
Maintain dispensary organization and inventory control (frames, lenses, contact lenses, parts, and supplies); assist with frame board management and loss prevention practices.
Uphold confidentiality and HIPAA requirements; follow ACHC policies, safety procedures, and infection control standards.
Provide culturally responsive customer service to patients of all backgrounds; communicate clearly and respectfully.
Participate in quality improvement activities, staff training, and cross coverage to support clinic operations; perform other duties as assigned.