What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optometry Technician position at Rural Health Services Inc?
Position Summary:
The Optometry Technician is a cross-trained team member responsible for supporting both the clinical and optical operations of the practice. Under the supervision of the Optometry Office Manager and direction of the health care provider, this position assists in patient care during eye examinations and corrective procedures while also providing exceptional customer service in the optical department.
On the clinical side, the Optometry Technician records patient medical histories, prepares patients for examinations, and assists the optometrist with diagnostic testing and procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. On the optical side, this role supports patients in selecting and fitting eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting devices, provides education on proper eyewear care, and performs adjustments and minor repairs as needed.
Essential Responsibilities1. Clinical Support
- Obtain and accurately record patient preliminary case history, including current medical conditions and visual concerns.
- Perform patient intake and prepare patients for vision examinations and corrective procedures.
- Conduct pre-testing procedures including, but not limited to, auto-refraction, lensometry, tonometry, topography, visual acuities, phoropter testing, color vision testing, dial-in measurements, drop instillation, and other provider-directed testing.
- Assist the provider during examinations and specialty testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Instruct patients on the proper use and care of glasses and contact lenses, including insertion, removal, and maintenance of disposable and specialty/custom lenses.
- Maintain and clean clinical instruments and ensure exam rooms are properly stocked and organized
2. Optical Services
- Inform and educate patients on available frame styles, lens designs, coatings, and additional optical options.
- Analyze and accurately interpret prescriptions.
- Perform precise optical measurements including pupillary distance, multifocal segment height, lens base curve, vertex distance, prism power, and lens power verification.
- Assist patients in selecting eyewear that best suits their prescription, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
- Complete, process, and track eyewear orders with optical laboratories.
- Accurately dispense eyewear, verify lens accuracy, confirm proper fit, and ensure expected visual outcomes.
- Perform adjustments and minor repairs as needed.
- Assist with wholesale purchasing of frames and resale products, manage inventory, process authorized returns, and prepare necessary credit documentation.
3. Administrative & Operational Support
- Maintain accurate patient records and ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Schedule appointments, perform basic bookkeeping tasks, manage correspondence, and maintain organized filing systems.
- Knowledgeable in insurance eligibility and verification.
- Maintain inventory of clinical and optical materials.
- Collaborate effectively with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and team members to provide coordinated, high-quality patient care.
- Provide exceptional customer service to patients at all stages of their visit.
- Perform additional duties as assigned or directed to support department operations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Ability to relate to patients and staff with warmth, professionalism, and effectiveness.
- Strong multitasking and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in clinical testing, measurements, documentation, and order processing.
- Working knowledge of optometric policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations to daily operations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and documentation.
- Ability to assist in the development of departmental procedures, directives, and operational improvements.
- Ability to work collaboratively with providers, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience as an Optometry Assistant or two (2) years of experience as an Optical Technician/Optician in a clinical or retail optical setting.
- Working knowledge of ocular anatomy, including normal and abnormal vision and visual perception.
- Foundational knowledge of ophthalmic lens design, materials, and optical principles.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Opticianry or related field
- Optometry or Optical Certification.
- Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Care (FQHC)
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Experience performing clinical pre-testing and diagnostic procedures.
- Experience with eyewear dispensing, optical measurements, and laboratory order processing.