Optical Associate - Nutley, NJ

Medical Eyeglass Center; Westfield (NJ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; 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 in Nutley, NJ is seeking an Optical Associate to deliver an outstanding eyewear experience and assist patients and clinic staff. You will help with fittings, orders, prescriptions, and insurance processing in a professional setting.

This role combines technical optical skills with customer service, requiring careful attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork in a fast-paced medical-office environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in optical field.
• Knowledge of frame adjustments, frame repairs, PD/seg height measurements.
• Familiarity with lens types and manual lensometer is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide patients with an outstanding eyewear experience from selection to fitting.
• Process and complete orders through POS systems accurately.
• Maintain records of prescriptions, orders, payments, and insurance claims.
• Review lab orders for timely completion and submit insurance claims.
• Dispense eyewear and contact lenses where applicable, with adjustments as needed.
• Assist patients with adjustments, repairs, and cleaning of frames.
• Maintain organized frame inventory and displays.
• Review daily patient schedules for volume, eligibility, and sales opportunities.
• Support in-office promotions and marketing materials.
• Build positive relationships with providers, technicians, and staff.

Skills

Eyewear fitting

Sales & CS

Prescription reading

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Excel

Email

Insurance portals

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 Nutley, NJ

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