Optometric Assistant

About the role

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant is primarily responsible for helping ensure a great patient experience by preparing the patient for onsite and/or remote examination, completing pre-exam diagnostic tests, and explaining each step of the process. The Clinical Specialist acts as a liaison between our patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient journey.

Responsibilities

• Completing patient registration, gathering and submitting 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 and accurately documenting 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 to the retail associate.
• 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 the 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 lenses trials when requested by the doctor.
• Ensure a clean and healthy environment for our patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies as well as 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 to include traveling to other locations.

Qualifications

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

Skills & behavioral characteristics

• Patient advocate.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members.
• Very detail orientated 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.
• Excelling 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.

Pay & schedule

• Pay Class: Full Time.
• Pay Rate: $17 to $25.50 per hour.
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands to include traveling to other locations.

Physical demands

• Work changing schedules to meet business demands to include travel between stores.
• Work inside store location.
• Use computers, electronics tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively.
• Reach above shoulder continuously.
• While performing duties, associate is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Noise level in this location is moderate (use of computers, printers, and machines).