Optician / Patient Care Coordinator (SLC)

Optician / Patient Care Coordinator - Salt Lake City, UT

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Expected Hourly Rate: $24.04--$25 / hour

(Hourly rate is commensurate with experience and qualifications.)

Benefits & Perks:

RMU offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package, which includes:

• Four weeks of paid holidays in addition to accrued paid time off
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer‑matched HSA and 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition discounts, tuition reimbursement, and professional development funding
• Mental health counseling and wellness resources
• Financial wellness coaching and retirement planning support

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This position is employed by Rocky Mountain University and is primarily assigned to provide onsite services at a partner clinical location in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Optician/Patient Care Coordinator position averages approximately 32 hours per week. The anticipated schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. onsite, including a paid meal period during which the employee is expected to remain at the clinic to support operational needs.

The position also includes an additional 8 to 12 hours per week of administrative work, which may be performed remotely. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support special events and university activities (approximately 3 to 5 times per year).

During the onboarding period, employees will report to RMU's Provo campus multiple times per week for training. Upon successful completion of onboarding, the employee's primary work location will be the Salt Lake City clinic, with periodic travel to Provo for meetings, training, and other university business as needed.

As an RMU employee, this position is eligible for RMU holiday benefits but may be required to work at the partner clinic on certain RMU-recognized holidays based on operational needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Optician / Patient Care Coordinator serves as a key patient-facing team member responsible for delivering an exceptional patient experience by supporting the licensed providers, student clinicians, and the overall operations of the optometry practice. This role combines expertise in optical dispensing, patient care coordination, insurance administration, inventory management, and clinic operations. The Optician / Patient Care Coordinator helps patients navigate their vision care journey by providing education, product recommendations, eyewear and contact lens services, insurance guidance, and ongoing support. Through strong relationship building and attention to detail, this role contributes directly to patient satisfaction, retention, and practice growth.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Deliver exceptional customer service and create a welcoming, patient-centered experience.
• Schedule, confirm, and coordinate patient appointments, follow-up visits, testing, and procedures.
• Assist with patient outreach initiatives, recalls, referral tracking, and reactivation efforts.
• Interpret and verify optical prescriptions.
• Guide patients in selecting frames, lenses, contact lenses, and related optical products based on their vision needs, lifestyle, and budget.
• Educate patients regarding product options, insurance benefits, lens enhancements, warranties, and treatment recommendations.
• Perform optical measurements, frame fittings, adjustments, repairs, and troubleshooting.
• Provide contact lens insertion, removal, and care training.
• Support providers through pretesting and patient care preparation activities.
• Verify insurance eligibility, benefits, and authorizations.
• Collect patient payments and maintain accurate demographic, insurance, and financial information.
• Process, track, and manage eyewear and contact lens orders from placement through delivery.
• Coordinate with laboratories, vendors, and manufacturers regarding orders, remakes, warranties, and repairs.
• Monitor inventory levels and maintain accurate records for frames, lenses, contact lenses, and related supplies.
• Track key operational metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, clinic policies, and professional standards.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in an optical, optometry, ophthalmology, or vision care setting
• Experience working with patient records, scheduling systems, and administrative processes.
• Knowledge of optical dispensing, eyewear fitting, and contact lens services.
• Demonstrated ability to provide patient service in both English and Spanish in a healthcare environment. (Predominantly Spanish-speaking patient population--approximately 70%)

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with insurance verification, billing, and claims processing.
• Experience in medical office administration or optometry practice operations.
• Knowledge of inventory management and optical sales.
• Contact lens training and patient education experience.

ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is a graduate‑level institution dedicated to advancing healthcare education, research, and service. The University prepares healthcare professionals through evidence‑based curricula, collaborative learning, and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practice.

RMU values innovation, service, and continuous improvement, supporting faculty and staff who contribute to a learning environment focused on student success and community impact.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION

RMU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Employment with the university is at‑will, unless otherwise provided by applicable state law.