VCS Health Tech (Lead Optician) Hickory NC

Veterans Health Administration•Hickory, NC

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Supervisory Health Tech (Optician) to support operations within the VCS Optical Shop at the Hickory, NC VA Medical Center. This position coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between VCS, eye clinic providers, and prosthetics teams, helping provide service to Veterans. The role includes assisting customers with eyewear questions and selection; overseeing Optician staff and daily operations; assigning and monitoring work; performing eyewear measurements, fittings, adjustments, and basic repairs; recording services and patient interactions in the CPRS system; and coordinating communications and follow-up to resolve customer needs.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position's duties.
Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to quickly learn and operate software used by the Optical Contractor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including DOS-based programs.
Ability to review optical prescriptions, recognize discrepancies or irregularities, and take appropriate corrective action.
Skill in measuring and verifying lens placement within spectacle frames against positioning tolerances and quality standards.
Ability to select and match lens types, forms, and positioning to individual patient vision requirements and comfort.
Ability to identify and resolve optical issues, including prescription verification, transition lenses, optical center alignment, segment heights, and improper frame selections.
High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Current, valid REAL ID required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.
Must serve a one-year trial period; continued employment after the period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Subject to a background/security investigation.

Responsibilities

Greet Optical Shop customers, respond to inquiries, and provide information about eyewear pricing, availability, and estimated delivery timelines.
Oversee personnel functions for Optician staff, including supervision, performance oversight, and daily operational management.
Assign duties, distribute workload, and monitor task completion to support efficient workflow and compliance with operational procedures.
Assist customers with frame selection and product upgrades, maintaining knowledge of available frames, lenses, and coatings.
Perform eyewear measurements, fittings, adjustments, and basic repairs.
Document services and patient interactions in the CPRS system.
Manage customer communications, coordinate follow-up actions, and ensure timely resolution of customer needs and service requests.
Review optical prescriptions, identify discrepancies or irregularities, and take corrective action to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Measure and verify lens placement in spectacle frames and select appropriate lens types, forms, and positioning for patient vision requirements and comfort.
Identify and resolve optical issues involving prescription verification, transition lenses, optical center alignment, segment heights, and frame selection.