N96612 Optician

Northeastern State University; Tahlequah (OK); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK seeks an Optical Dispensary professional to manage the operation of an assigned dispensary, provide patient services, fabricate eyewear, and assist in training optometry students.

The role includes frame and lens selection, inventory maintenance, insurance processing, and equipment upkeep, with emphasis on accuracy and student education.

Qualifications

• Specialized training in eyewear fabrication or optical discipline.
• Experience via an apprenticeship/internship or 1–2 years in a similar role.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient services and assist in frame and lens selection.
• Instruct optometry students in patient care, frame styling, and lens choices; review policies with new students and residents; train students in spectacle fabrication methods.
• Prepare prescriptions and eyewear orders, enter size/material/color information, and review completed prescriptions.
• Edge and fit lenses; verify lens powers; tint lenses; ensure proper glasses delivery to patients.
• Maintain equipment and inventory; process insurance claims and assist with deductible information.

Skills

Eyewear fabrication knowledge

Patient service principles

Eyeglass fitting and repair

Computer skills with related software

Decision making and problem solving

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprenticeship / internship experience

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Thisposition manages the operation of an assigned dispensary by providing patientservices, fabricating eyewear, dispensing eyewear, managing frame inventory,and assisting in the training of optometry students.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provides patient services; assists in the selection of frames and lenses; explains upgrade choices.
• Instructs optometry students in patient care, frame styling, and lens choices; reviews policies and procedures with new students and incoming residents; trains students in spectacle fabrication methods.
• Prepares or assists students in preparing work orders; enters prescription, size, material, and color information; reviews completed prescriptions; ensures compliance with specifications; notifies patients when glasses are ready; assists patients with glasses fitting; adjusts frame by hand or with appropriate tools; instructs patients in eyeglass care; prepares glasses for mailing to patients as requested.
• Traces and edges frames; edges and fits lenses for eyeglasses; repairs eyeglasses; tints lenses; marks progressive lenses; verifies lens powers.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment.
• Maintains supply inventory, including frame inventory; reorders as needed.
• Provides information to patients concerning insurance policies and procedures; processes insurance claims and determines patient deductible.
• Works with Cherokee National opticians with issues related to frames, lenses, insurance, or warranties.
• Cleans and tidies dispensary facilities; cleans mirrors, shelves and displays.
• Participates in industry continuing education opportunities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the standards, techniques, tools and equipment used in the fabrication of prescription eyewear.
• Knowledge of patient service principles and practices.
• Knowledge of eyeglass fitting and repair methods.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor assigns work in terms of generalinstructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance withprocedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act requirements, patient care policies and procedures,prescription eyewear fabrication standards, insurance company policies, andcollege policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear andspecific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related patient services and technical duties. Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to assist patients and fabricate and dispense eyewear. Success in this position contributes to the successful provision of services to dispensary patients.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, physicians, patients, vendors, insurance representatives, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

The work is typically performed in an office or stockroom. The employee is exposed to noise and machinery with moving parts.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Oklahoma for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

SALARY

Annual salary $31,116.00 with excellent benefits, including generous leave time.

HIRE DATE / APPLICATION DEADLINE

Anticipated hire date: 10/12/2026

Applications will be accepted until: 9/28/2026

Posting will close to applicants at 11:59 p.m., CST, on the date above. An application cannot be changed after it has been submitted.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

It is Northeastern State University's policy that all newly hired employees must provide an original social security card during the hiring process. Failure to provide an original social security card will delay the hiring process and ability to begin employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

EEO STATEMENT

Northeastern State University complies with all "applicable" federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination.