Optometric Assistant

Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.04. Training provided!

About the role

Looking for a new opportunity in healthcare? We have various levels of this role, which can kickstart your Optometry career! Entry level candidates welcome! This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. This is a career ladder position with four levels designed to provide progressively more technical and independent work experiences. Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications, and the demonstrated ability to successfully handle duties requiring progressively more responsibility.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career.

Responsibilities

• Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing.
• Accurately document in a timely manner.
• Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements.
• Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement.
• Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment.
• Acquire ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography.
• Enter images into medical record for provider review.
• Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients.
• Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork.
• Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals.
• Order and maintain office and medical supplies.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) from the American Optometric Association AND/OR Alaska Dispensing Optician License.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles.
• Customer service, time management and organization skills.
• Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.
• Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.
• Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.
• Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.

Travel

Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year.

Schedule

OT 8/40

Benefits

• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health insurance.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Long and short-term disability.