Optician

HU101 The Howard University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 57,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Mental health support

PTO & holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Tuition reimbursement

403(b) with company match

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Vibrant company culture

Job summary

Howard University in the United States seeks an Optical Department Assistant to support the lab, stockroom, and retail outlets. You will work with eye doctors to ensure patients receive proper care and assist in measuring and selecting eyewear.

The role emphasizes accuracy in records, patient confidentiality, and courteous service, while contributing to sales and inventory management in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Two years of college level coursework and three years of work experience in Optometry or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ABO Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Repairs, adjusts, dispenses prescription lenses and frames.
• Takes optical measurements and evaluates patients for assistance in lens design.
• Promotes sales of eyewear.
• Assists patients in selecting appropriate eyewear and instructs patients on cleaning and handling eyewear.
• Maintains required records and files.
• Complies with established policies and procedures.
• Assists in care and upkeep of departmental equipment and supplies.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Optometry knowledge

Eye anatomy knowledge

Computer basics

Data entry

Record-keeping

Communication with patients

Teamwork with staff

Education

Two years of college coursework

ABO Certification preferred

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support

Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements

Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match

Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths

Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION

The purpose of this position is to assist in the optical department including the laboratory, stockroom, and retail outlets. Works with eye doctors to ensure that patients receive proper care.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others.

NATURE AND SCOPE

External contacts include a variety of third-party payers, medical organizations, patients, vendors and other healthcare personnel. Internal contacts include the medical faculty, employees of the university Faculty Practice Plan, Howard University, Howard University Hospital and any other Howard affiliates.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Repairs, adjusts, dispenses prescription lenses and frames.
• Takes optical measurements and evaluates patients for assistance in lens design.
• Promotes sales of eyewear.
• Assists patients in selecting appropriate eyewear and instructs patients on cleaning and handling eyewear.
• Assists in maintaining proper inventory of materials and supplies
• Maintains required records and files.
• Complies with established policies and procedures.
• Assists in care and upkeep of departmental equipment and supplies.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the field of optometry sufficient to assist in management of the retail location.
• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye.
• General knowledge of computer, sufficient to perform basic data entry and word processing functions.
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rate, ratio, and percents; and ability to interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective work relations with staff, faculty, university and hospital officials, patients and the general public.
• Ability to communicate with people from various educational levels and backgrounds.
• Ability to keep accurate records concerning diagnostic exams.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Two years of college level coursework and three years of work experience in Optometry or equivalent combination of education and experience. ABO Certification preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $56,545- $62,200

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.