Optometric Assistant, Falls Church

About the role

This position performs initial work-up and specialized tests for optometry patients. The primary responsibilities include greeting patients, entering data into medical records, escorting patients to examination rooms, interviewing patients to obtain symptom information, using specialized equipment to test vision and conditions, providing test results to the optometrist, assisting with examinations, explaining spectacle and contact lens options, cleaning and maintaining equipment and work areas.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients, enters data into medical records, and escorts patients to examination room.
• Interviews each patient to obtain information about symptoms and documents information provided by patient in medical record.
• Uses specialized equipment to test patients' vision and condition.
• Provides test results to the optometrist and brings attention to abnormal results.
• Aids the optometrist in conducting examinations as directed.
• Aids patients in understanding spectacle and contact lens options following diagnosis by the optometrist.
• Cleans and maintains specialized equipment and work areas.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

Requirements

• Minimum one (1) year experience doing patient work-ups to include visual acuities, manual and automated lensometry, auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry, and knowledge of contact lenses including the teaching of insertion and removal classes or completion of inter-departmental training program emphasizing above skills developed by the Optometry department.
• Completion of any Optometric Assistant Program of studies, Completion of the Self-Study Paraoptometric Assistant Course, Ophthalmic Medical Assisting- Independent Study Course, or any comparable certification or Optometric or Ophthalmic course completion required or within six (6) months from date of hire.
• A High School Diploma OR General Education Development (GED) is required.
• A Paraoptometric Technician Certificate OR Paraoptometric Certificate OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate OR Contact Lens Dispenser Certificate OR National Contact Lens Examiner - Basic Certification OR Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is required or within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Successfully demonstrated proficiency on initial skills assessment during the interview process.
• Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software.

Qualifications

• BLS Certification preferred.
• Must pass a practical skills evaluation.
• Must obtain Para-Optometric Certification within 6 months of hire date.