Optometric Technician

Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To support the delivery of high-quality vision care services by assisting optometrists with patient examinations, diagnostic testing, patient education, optical dispensing, and administrative functions. This position plays a key role in ensuring efficient clinic operations, maintaining accurate patient records, and delivering excellent customer service throughout the patient experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of FoundCare.

Clinical Support

• Conduct preliminary patient assessments, including obtaining medical and ocular histories, documenting patient concerns, and performing visual acuity testing.
• Prepare patients for examinations by escorting them to exam rooms, explaining procedures, and ensuring patient comfort and readiness for evaluation.
• Perform diagnostic testing as directed by the optometrist, including but not limited to visual field testing, retinal imaging, tonometry, corneal topography, and other ancillary ophthalmic testing as assigned.
• Administer ophthalmic medications and eye drops under the direction and supervision of the optometrist and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Assist with contact lens fittings and provide patient instruction on proper insertion, removal, cleaning, storage, and care of contact lenses.
• Educate patients regarding eye health, vision care, eyewear usage, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations.

Optical Services

• Assist patients with frame and lens selection based on prescription requirements, lifestyle needs, insurance benefits, and applicable sliding fee scale guidelines.
• Accurately process eyewear orders and coordinate with vendors, laboratories, and suppliers as needed.
• Dispense eyeglasses and ensure proper fitting and adjustment.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional optical dispensary area.

Equipment and Infection Control

• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, cleaning, disinfection, storage, and shutdown of all diagnostic and optical equipment.
• Maintain examination rooms and clinical areas in compliance with infection prevention, safety, and organizational standards.
• Sterilize instruments and ensure clinical supplies are adequately stocked and readily available.

Documentation and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Assist with appointment scheduling and record management.
• Help manage patient flow to ensure providers maintain an efficient daily schedule and appropriate patient volume.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with optometrists, clinical staff, patient access representatives, and administrative personnel to ensure seamless patient care and operational efficiency.
• Participate in staff meetings, training activities, quality improvement initiatives, and workflow enhancement efforts.
• Provide excellent customer service throughout the patient experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of eye anatomy, vision care terminology, and ophthalmic testing procedures.
• Ability to operate diagnostic ophthalmic equipment safely and accurately.
• Excellent customer service and patient communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, and ability to navigate electronic health record and practice management systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, orally, in writing, and electronically.
• Ability to review, understand, and apply concepts presented in training programs, conferences, and/or professional literature.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patient and organizational information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to interact and work with diverse populations.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, providers, or others, professionally.
• Clear understanding that FoundCare provides information on educating individuals on safer sex practices which would include but not be limited to, exposure to explicit language, explicit printed material, and descriptions of explicit sexual activities as part of the agency’s mission in the prevention and transmission of HIV disease.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, and walk for extended periods in performance of job duties.
• Ability to operate clinical and office equipment requiring manual dexterity and visual acuity.
• Ability to work in a patient care setting with possible exposure to communicable diseases and other healthcare-related hazards, utilizing appropriate safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.
• Use standard office equipment and technology, including computers, telephones, and clinical equipment and systems, in the course of daily duties.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or less.
• Ability to travel to other FoundCare locations and perform job duties.
• Ability to travel to other locations to attend meetings, workshops, and seminars, plus travel to other FoundCare departments and FoundCare conference rooms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an Ophthalmic Technician, Optometric Technician, Medical Assistant, or related healthcare training program preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in an optometry, ophthalmology, or healthcare setting preferred.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems preferred.
• Experience with optical dispensing and patient scheduling preferred.
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.