Optometry Assistant – Back Office

Family HealthCare Network • Visalia, CA

5d

About The Position

The Optometry Assistant – Back Office supports the Optometrist with clinical and administrative duties throughout the optometry patient visit. The role helps coordinate patient flow, appointments, records, referrals, dispensary functions, testing, exam-room readiness, and communication within the patient care team. The employee may be assigned to any FHCN location based on business needs and performs other duties as assigned.

Effective June 1, 2026, individuals hired into the role must have work-related skills beyond high school, proof of high school completion with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or GED completion with a minimum overall score of 162.5, and healthcare-related knowledge frequently acquired through a trade school, paraprofessional, or certificate program. Proof of a higher-level degree and its stronger GPA may be provided in lieu of the high school diploma. A minimum of two years of Optometry or Ophthalmology experience is required. No licenses or certifications are required.

Requirements

• Effective June 1, 2026, possess work-related skills beyond completion of high school, including formal written and verbal communication, computational and computer, mathematical, and technical skills.
• Effective June 1, 2026, provide proof of high school completion with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or GED completion with a minimum overall score of 162.5. Proof of a higher-level degree and a stronger GPA in that program may be provided in lieu of the high school diploma.
• Healthcare-related knowledge, frequently acquired through a trade school, paraprofessional, or certificate program.
• At least two years of Optometry or Ophthalmology experience.
• Ability to prepare complex Microsoft Word documents, including tables, charts, graphs, and other elements.
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel to review and compile data, including formulas, functions, lookup tables, and other standard spreadsheet elements.
• Ability to create basic Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.
• Ability to effectively communicate routine or non-technical information to coworkers and others, including written information and verbal presentations.
• Regular attendance and ability to work at any FHCN location based on business need.
• No licenses or certifications required.
• Physical ability to sit and perform repetitive hand movements for typing and grasping; frequently stand or walk; and occasionally bend, twist, squat, climb, kneel, reach above or below shoulder height, and move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Responsibilities

• Support and monitor patient flow in the back office, including preparing for appointments, distributing patients and walk-ins, keeping patients informed about wait times, and ensuring patients are properly flowed in the system.
• Schedule appointments, follow up on no-show appointments, and respond to messages and requests.
• Understand general front-office workflows and provide front-office support when needed.
• Review health records with patients and update clinical information, including current medications and medical and surgical histories.
• Obtain vital signs and patient data.
• Initiate follow-up of specialty-care referrals and services according to policy.
• Support dispensary functions, including prescription refill requests, medication logging, and pharmacy and patient phone calls.
• Complete clinical forms required for patient visits, including patient assistance program and Staying Healthy Assessment forms.
• Maintain continuous communication within the patient care team.
• Perform medical tests and prepare patients for vision examinations.
• Assist with testing for near and far acuity, depth perception, macula integrity, color perception, and visual field.
• Scan relevant documents into the electronic health record system and document in patient records according to policy and training.
• Prepare and stock exam rooms and the lab, and monitor inventory to ensure adequate supplies.
• Conduct weekly testing and weekly or monthly cleaning of sterilization equipment, and sterilize medical equipment.
• Instruct patients in the care and use of glasses or contact lenses.
• Assist patients with frame selection, adjust and repair glasses, and modify contact lenses.
• Adhere to the Attendance and Absenteeism Policy and be able to work at any FHCN location at the beginning of or during a shift based on business need.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED