Optometric Assistant

Pay Class: Part Time

Pay Rate: $17 to $25.50 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $25.50 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.

Responsibilities

• Complete patient registration, gather and submit pertinent patient information including Medical History and Ocular Health data into EMR.
• Assist onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations.
• Clearly explain the preliminary testing process to patients, administer each preliminary test, and accurately document the results in EMR.
• For patients with remote appointments:
  • Assist patients through the remote eye exam process including pre-testing and specialty testing.
  • Accurately document results in EMR.
  • Initiate remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing.
  • Assist remote doctor and remote technician to complete additional testing required for a remote exam.
• After exam completion, transition the patient to a retail associate, conveying the recommendations of the doctor.
• Have a strong understanding of MVC plans and be able to articulate plan benefits to patients.
• Preauthorize insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• In partnership with retail associates, schedule appointments and manage exam books according to Company guidelines, including contacting no-shows and cancellations.
• Maintain patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
• Answer patients’ clinical questions in person and over the telephone. Triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
• Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to Company standards.
• Instruct patients on the insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of their contact lenses.
• Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock. Notify patients when their contact lenses are available for dispensing.
• Have a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters. Accurately pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
• Ensure a clean and healthy environment for patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies, and ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
• Participate in specialized training of all responsibilities and complete required clinical certification(s).
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands, including traveling to other locations.

Requirements

• One (1) year of related experience.
• Optical or Healthcare background preferred.
• Medical office/business professionalism required.
• HS diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
• Training provided.

Skills

• Patient advocate.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members.
• Very detail-oriented and well-organized.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other associates and patients.
• Work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.
• Energetic and self-motivated.
• Team player.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Exhibit empathy in all interactions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms.
• Follow procedures and instructions.
• Read English.
• Operate and enter data into electronic software platforms efficiently and accurately.

Physical Demands

• Work changing schedules to meet business demands, including travel between stores.
• Work inside store location.
• Use computers, electronic tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
• Reach above shoulder continuously.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Stand x Walk x Sit x Use hands to finger, handle, or feel x Reach with Hands and Arms x Climb or balance x Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl x Talk or hear x Close Vision (clear vision at 20” or less) x

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time. The associate is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in this location is moderate (use of computers, printers, and machines).

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All Associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. As a component of job roles and responsibilities, Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. As a result, Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Privacy & Security Training Program.