Optometric Technician

About the role

Optometric Technicians work in conjunction with the doctors to perform activities involving patient care, pre-testing, post-exam duties, specialty testing, and maintain the doctor’s appointment schedule in a manner that delivers a professional, pleasant patient experience.

Responsibilities

• Preliminary evaluation of patients prior to exam by the OD, such as dilation, topicals, diagnostic medications, Optomap, etc.
• Verbal interview with patient prior to visit with OD to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit for communication to OD prior to appointment.
• Enters patient information in Electronic Health Records (EEHR).
• Aids ODs to care for patients in a timely, effective manner, as close to appointed schedule as possible.
• Instructs patients on medical care as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan and schedules follow up appointments as needed.
• Discusses Lasik with patients and identifies patients interested in Lasik by reviewing patient information forms.
• May be required to schedule referral appointments with Ophthalmologists, Diagnostic follow-up visits, and other specialty referrals, and complete appropriate paperwork.
• Records and maintains patient records / files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA).
• Responds to patient’s telephone inquiries regarding medication, treatment, problems referring to the OD as necessary.
• Completes proper coding of procedures for payment collection.
• May be required to perform diagnostic testing using specialty equipment (OCT, Visual Field, Pachymetry, Retinal Camera. Etc.).
• Corresponds with Doctor offices (internal and external) regarding patient and insurance referrals.
• Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist.
• Documents medical findings and communication between doctor and patient in Electronic Medical Records and assists with clerical duties related to medical documentation (participating practices only).
• Participates in Practice meetings / projects as requested.
• Ensures that maximum OD utilization occurs through pre-appointment confirmation, daily appointment confirmation, contacting patients from recall listings, partnership with the manager’s outreach, etc.
• Calls all no-shows or cancelled patients to reschedule appointments.
• Performs contact lens insertion and removal classes (I&R) and manages the contact lens trial inventory.
• Performs end of day responsibilities to include opti-schedule wrap-up, end of day checklist, etc.
• Makes recommendations for efficiencies, processes, etc. which will deliver either quality, cost savings, and / or profitability improvements within the Practice and / or across the organization.
• Performs other duties within the Practice as requested and as time allows.

Requirements

• High School or GED qualification.
• Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word Processing.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the team over the individual.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively and professionally collaborate with co-workers and patients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience evaluating patients for eye exams and dispensing eye exam medications.
• Familiarity with medical terms associated with eye treatment.
• Experience maintaining patients’ records / files per HIPAA regulations.
• Industry certification (CPO, CPOA, CPOT) preferred but not required.