VCS Health Tech (Optician) - Alexandria

Qualifications

• Licensure & Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required.
• Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service.
• Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
• Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues - including prescription verification - transitions verification - optical center alignment - segment height accuracy - and appropriate frame selection.
• Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency: Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools - including:
  • Adjustment and bench tools
  • Lensometer and lens clock
  • Frame heater
  • PD ruler and pupilometer
  • Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices
  • Frame and lens cleaning products
  • Thickness caliper
  • Vertex densometer
  • Tolerance charts
  • Visual acuity charts
• Identification Requirement: A current - valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Duties

Duties include - but are not limited to the following:

• Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection - pricing - product options - and delivery timelines. Maintain a professional - welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions.
• Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers - lensometers - and other tools. Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders - collect payments - prepare sales documentation - and enter orders into contractor and VA systems. Promote appropriate lens options - upgrades - and additional eyewear using a consultative - no-pressure sales approach.
• Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics - laboratories - prosthetics staff - and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing - damaged - or delayed eyewear. Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean - organized - and visually appealing manner. Support merchandise control - pricing - recordkeeping - and protection of inventory and fixed assets.