Optometric Technician

About the role

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefit-eligible position assisting a Doctor of Optometry in delivering comprehensive eye care. The role is onsite at our Heart of the City Health Center, typically working Monday - Friday from 7:45am-5:00pm with one late night until 7pm on either Tuesday or Thursday.

Responsibilities

• Obtain patient history and chief complaint information.
• Accurately and efficiently perform patient pre-testing, including visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, pupil testing, motilities, peripheral vision, and blood pressure.
• Instill eye drops on patients using sterile techniques and explain side effects of drops.
• Measure intraocular pressure using iCare or Tonopen.
• Administer diagnostic tests such as automated visual field testing, optical coherence tomography, retinal photography, automated lensometry, etc.
• Maintain accurate electronic health records.
• Assist doctor with all aspects of the eye exam and any follow-up requested.
• Facilitate referrals and schedule patients as needed for medical and surgical problems.
• Perform administrative tasks such as filing, ordering supplies, recordkeeping, and other duties.
• Perform chart preparation to ensure that a patient is due or eligible for an eye exam.
• Understand and adhere to Cherry Health’s compliance standards as they appear in the Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Keep abreast of all pertinent federal, state, and Cherry Health regulations, laws, and policies.
• Travel to and from schools for school-linked programs.
• Set up and tear down school clinic.
• Assist with scheduling and/or check-in for students.
• Maintain accurate electronic health records for school-linked programs.
• Assist with phone calls to classrooms and/or escort children.
• Maintain professional interaction with all school staff.
• Call parents as needed to set up follow-up appointments and/or explain ocular conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required.
• CPR certification (offered at Cherry Health) is required.
• Ophthalmic or Medical Assistant experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Team-oriented with strong collaborative skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel to other sites as determined by business needs.
• Ability to perform essential duties & responsibilities within 6 months.

Skills

• Proficiency with desktop or laptop computers, telephones with voicemail, and networked copier/printer/facsimile.
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Mail, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Nextgen EHR and EPM, Zeiss Forum, and diagnostic equipment (cameras, OCT, HVF, corneal topographer, pachymeter).
• Experience with exam lane equipment (slit-lamp, phoropter) and intraocular pressure devices (Tonopen, iCare tonometer).

Physical Requirements

• Standing: More than ⅓ of time
• Sitting: More than ⅓ of time
• Independently mobile (including movement from floor to floor): More than ⅔ of time
• Grasping (applying pressure to an object with fingers, thumb, and palm): More than ⅓ of time
• Finger use (picking, pinching, typing, or working primarily with fingers): More than ⅓ of time
• Reaching with arms and hands above head or to full extension: Less than ⅓ of time
• Stooping, crouching, or bending: Less than ⅓ of time
• Kneeling or crawling: Less than ⅓ of time
• Repetitive hand or body motions: More than ⅓ of time
• Vision requirements – Visual acuity 20/40 or better, color vision, and stereopsis preferred: More than ⅓ of time
• Hearing: More than ⅓ of time
• Speaking: More than ⅓ of time
• Pushing or pulling: Less than ⅓ of time
• Sedentary work (lifting no more than 10 lbs): Less than ⅓ of time
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required

Working Conditions

• Indoor, office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, or temperature changes: More than ⅔ of time
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles: Less than ⅓ of time
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals: Less than ⅓ of time
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens: More than ⅓ of time
• Exposure to patients/clients with illness or infection: More than ⅓ of time

Other Requirements

• Travel to other sites: Required
• Uniform: Scrubs & nonskid shoes: Required
• Direct interaction with patients/clients: Required

Benefits

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for you and your family.
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full-time employees.
• Paid holidays - 8 full-day paid holidays (including Black Friday) and 2 half-day paid holidays.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%.
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans.
• Pet Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About Cherry Health

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state and is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers, and more.

Mission

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Vision

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Values

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we are accountable for our decisions, actions, and results.
• Learning