Optometric Technician

About the role

Optometric Technicians work in conjunction with doctors to perform various tasks including patient care, pre-testing, post-exam duties, specialty testing, and maintaining the doctor's appointment schedule.

Responsibilities

• Preliminary evaluation of patients prior to exam, such as dilation, topicals, diagnostic medications, Optomap, etc.
• Verbal interview with patients prior to visit with OD to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit, communicating to OD prior to appointment.
• Entering patient information in Electronic Health Records (EEHR).
• Aiding ODs in caring for patients in a timely, effective manner, as close to the scheduled appointment as possible.
• Instructing patients on medical care as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan and scheduling follow-up appointments as needed.
• Discussing LASIK with patients and identifying those interested in LASIK by reviewing patient information forms.
• Scheduling referral appointments with ophthalmologists, diagnostic follow-up visits, and other specialty referrals, and completing appropriate paperwork.
• Recording and maintaining patient records/files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA).
• Responding to patient’s telephone inquiries regarding medication, treatment, and problems, referring to the OD as necessary.
• Completing proper coding of procedures for payment collection.
• Performing diagnostic testing using specialty equipment (OCT, Visual Field, Pachymetry, Retinal Camera, etc.).
• Corresponding with doctor offices (internal and external) regarding patient and insurance referrals.
• Supporting the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist.
• Documenting medical findings and communication between doctor and patient in Electronic Medical Records and assisting with clerical duties related to medical documentation (participating practices only).
• Participating in practice meetings/projects as requested.
• Ensuring maximum OD utilization through pre-appointment confirmation, daily appointment confirmation, contacting patients from recall listings, partnering with the manager’s outreach, etc.
• Calling all no-shows or cancelled patients to reschedule appointments.
• Performing contact lens insertion and removal classes (I&R) and managing the contact lens trial inventory.
• Performing end of day responsibilities to include opti-schedule wrap-up, end of day checklist, etc.
• Making recommendations for efficiencies, processes, etc., which will deliver quality, cost savings, and/or profitability improvements within the Practice and/or across the organization.
• Performing 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.