Eyewear Optician & Patient Care Specialist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at the Durham - NC VA Medical Center and Garner VA Clinic is seeking an experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support optical shop operations and coordinate services for Veterans.

This role serves as a key liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, ensuring accurate measurements, smooth order progression, and excellent patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience as an Optician required.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high patient service standards.
• Identify prescription discrepancies and take corrective action for accuracy.
• Identify and resolve optical issues including verification and alignment.
• Proficient with optical equipment and tools listed (Lensometer, Pupilometer, etc.).
• Current valid REAL ID is required to work with VCS.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, options, and timelines.
• Maintain a professional environment and assist patients in eyewear decisions.
• Perform eyewear fittings and measurements using digital pupilometers, lensometers, and similar tools.
• Document patient information and measurements in CPRS.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems.
• Promote lens options and upgrades with a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with eye clinics, labs, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues.

Skills

Optician experience

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Quality assurance

Technical equipment proficiency

REAL ID knowledge

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

Frame heater

PD ruler

Vertex densometer

Inter pupillary measuring devices

Job description

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at the Durham - NC VA Medical Center and Garner VA Clinic is seeking an experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support optical shop operations and coordinate services for Veterans.

This role serves as a key liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, ensuring accurate measurements, smooth order progression, and excellent patient care.