Optician

Job Summary

The Optician reports to the Interim Service Line Manager - Optometry. The Optician is responsible for assisting patients with the selection, fitting, and adjustment of eyewear to meet their visual needs and lifestyle preferences. This role involves interpreting prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists, recommending appropriate lenses and frames, and ensuring accurate measurements for optimal vision correction. The Optician provides excellent customer service, educates patients on eyewear care and options, and ensures compliance with quality and safety standards. Additional responsibilities may include managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret and verify optical prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists
• Assist patients in selecting eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings based on prescription, lifestyle, and budget
• Take precise facial and optical measurements (e.g., pupillary distance, segment height, bridge fit)
• Fit, adjust, and repair eyeglasses to ensure comfort, function, and visual accuracy
• Educate patients on proper eyewear use, care, and maintenance
• Explain lens options, vision correction solutions, and insurance benefits clearly and accurately
• Process optical orders and ensure prescriptions are filled correctly and in a timely manner
• Perform quality control checks on finished eyewear to ensure compliance with prescription specifications
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation
• Manage inventory of frames, lenses, and optical supplies
• Handle billing, insurance claims, and payments when required
• Ensure compliance with professional, safety, and regulatory standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional optical dispensary
• Collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare staff to ensure optimal patient care
• Address patient concerns, troubleshoot vision or fit issues, and provide follow-up support.
• Hold in strictest confidence all information pertaining to any and all patients and health center matters.
• Work assigned shifts as determined by supervisor and/or administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To perform this job successfully individual must be computer literate.

Education and Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of an opticianry training program, apprenticeship, or associate degree in opticianry preferred
• Coursework in optics, anatomy of the eye, lens fabrication, and frame fitting is an advantage
• Experience in a clinical or retail optical setting is an asset
• Hands-on experience with eyewear fitting, adjustments, and repairs
• Experience interpreting optical prescriptions and working with lens laboratories

Professional Standards

• Leadership

• Team building mentality is exemplified in all work done.

• Positively influence and uplift members and other affiliates.

• Employee Expectations

• Follow all policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct, which can be found in the Employee Handbook.

• Follow the direction given by the supervisor to ensure site expectations are met.

• Communication

• Must be able to provide important and relevant site information in staff meetings and to members, co-workers, and supervisors.

• Must be able to listen to co-workers and team members.

• Must be able to present important and relevant site information to supervisors.

• Must be able to write and compose clear, concise, accurate written documentation and data reports, as necessary.

Values

Upholds the Code of Ethics and mission of Valley Health Care, Inc. by conducting professional activities with Valley Health Cares values of integrity, teamwork, compassion, excellence, and Here for Good.

Integrity

We act openly and truthfully in everything we do.

Teamwork

We work together to serve our patients.

Excellence

We create better ways of doing the things we do and provide the highest quality of care for each patient every time.

Compassion

We treat each other and our patients with concern, kindness, and respect.

Here for Good

We make decisions that will best serve our patients now and in the future.

Understanding of Health Care Laws and Regulations

Must have the ability to follow HIPAA guidelines as well as an understanding of policies and procedures regarding medical records put in place by the Federal Government, Medicaid, Medicare, and WV Behavioral Health Laws put forth by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.

Customer Service

Must listen to the customer, understand the customer, do what needs to be done to meet the customers expectations, and take ownership of the customer experience.

Computer Literacy

Knowledge of basic computer software (MS Office Word, Excel, and Outlook) and the willingness and ability to learn electronic medical records software.

Reasoning Ability

Must demonstrate the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Teamwork

An essential element is the ability to work and interact effectively and positively with other staff members to build and enhance teamwork in the VHC organization; team engagement is necessary to be successful in this position.

Work Record

A demonstrated work record showing good attendance, punctuality, dependability, and the ability to collaborate well with supervisors and coworkers as part of a team effort is essential. A medical office setting is an environment that requires the ability to relate to all types of people while always maintaining a professional demeanor.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The ability to write routine reports and correspondence. The ability to speak effectively to patients or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Additional Skills

Must be able to read and interpret medical and work environment-related documents involving patient care, program descriptions, government regulations, and VHC policy and procedures.

Sensitivity to Needs of Special Populations

Must be able to demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to cultural differences and needs of VHC patients and be able to respond appropriately to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, language, age, sex or sexual orientation, religion, disability, economic standing, etc.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to drive, sit and stand for extended periods of time; handle papers, type and operate computer equipment; reach with hands and arms; talk in-person, on the telephone, and by electronic means; see and hear, and lift up to twenty-five pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a typical outpatient clinic environment and at locations outside the office. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.