Optical Associate - Buffalo

Medical Eyeglass Center; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Employee discount

Paid time off

Referral program

Job summary

Medical Eyeglass Center (MEC) is seeking a skilled Optical Associate to join our Buffalo, NY team. You’ll provide patients with an outstanding eyewear experience, from selection to fitting, while working closely with clinic staff to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities include processing orders, maintaining records for prescriptions and insurance, and assisting with promotions. The role blends technical eyewear work with strong customer service in a professional setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of optical experience.
• Ability to read spectacle prescriptions and measure PD/seg height.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in filling prescriptions.
• Proficient in customer service and multitasking in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients with an outstanding eyewear experience from selection to fitting.
• Process and complete orders through MEC’s point-of-sale systems.
• Maintain detailed records of prescriptions, orders, payments, and insurance claims.
• Review lab orders to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Support in-office promotions and marketing materials.
• Build positive relationships with providers, technicians, and staff.

Skills

Eyewear fitting

Prescriptions reading

Customer service

Sales skills

Insurance familiarity

Excel proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Optical POS

EHR systems

Lensometer

Job description

About Medical Eyeglass Center (MEC) At MEC, we partner with leading medical/ophthalmology practices to provide patients with high-quality vision care and eyewear services. Our employees work directly inside medical offices, helping patients select and fit eyewear while creating a positive, professional experience. We pride ourselves on accuracy, customer service, and a patient-first approach that sets us apart.

• This position is based in Buffalo, NY

About Medical Eyeglass Center (MEC) At MEC, we partner with leading medical/ophthalmology practices to provide patients with high-quality vision care and eyewear services. Our employees work directly inside medical offices, helping patients select and fit eyewear while creating a positive, professional experience. We pride ourselves on accuracy, customer service, and a patient-first approach that sets us apart.

Position Overview

MEC is seeking a skilled, patient-focused Optical Associate to join our team. In this position, you’ll play a key role in the successful operation of the optical dispensary, deliver outstanding service, and work closely with both patients and clinic staff. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with patient care in a supportive and professional setting.

What You’ll Do

• Provide patients with an outstanding eyewear experience, from selection to fitting and adjustments.
• Accurately process and complete orders through MEC’s pointofsale systems.
• Maintain detailed records of prescriptions, orders, payments, and insurance claims.
• Review and track lab orders to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Submit insurance claims, post payments, and follow up on outstanding receivables.
• Dispense prescription and nonprescription eyewear (and contact lenses where applicable.)
• Assist patients with eyewear adjustments, repairs, and cleaning.
• Maintain frame inventory, keeping displays organized, clean, and fully stocked.
• Review daily patient schedules to anticipate volume, insurance eligibility, and sales opportunities.
• Support inoffice promotions and marketing materials.
• Build positive working relationships with providers, technicians, and administrative staff.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming environment for patients and staff.

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly, professional, and patientfocused personality.
• Ability to read and interpret spectacle prescriptions (and contact lenses where applicable).
• Skilled in eyewear fitting, adjustments, and repairs or willing to learn.
• Strong customer service and sales skills, including handling objections.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, email, and insurance portals (preferred).
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Teamoriented with the ability to build effective relationships.
• Attention to detail and problemsolving mindset.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous learning.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 6 months of experience in optical
• Knowledge of frame adjustments and frame repairs
• Experience taking accurate measurements (PD, seg height, optical center)
• Familiarity with optical lab processes and lens types (single vision, bifocal, progressive)
• Experience reading lenses using manual lensometer
• Ability to handle insurance eligibility checks and authorizations
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when filling prescriptions
• Ability to multitask in a fastpaced environment
• Basic computer skills and experience with EHR or optical POS systems

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Referral program