Optometric Assistant

VisionWorks; City of Elmira (NY); On-site; USD 23,419 - 35,128; Part time

Job summary

VisionWorks in Elmira, NY is hiring a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant responsible for enhancing patient experiences by preparing them for exams, conducting diagnostic tests, and serving as a liaison with Optometrists. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills while managing patient records and assisting with eye examinations.

This part-time role offers pay rates from $17 to $25.50 per hour based on experience, including opportunities for bonuses and wage upgrades.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of related experience in optical or healthcare preferred.
• Medical office professionalism required.
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients and team members.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for onsite and remote examinations.
• Perform pre-exam diagnostic tests and explain processes to patients.
• Assist with patient flow and documentation in EMR.

Skills

Customer service skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving ability

Multi-tasking

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant is primarily responsible for ensuring a great patient experience by preparing patients for onsite and/or remote examinations, completing pre‑exam diagnostic tests, and explaining each step of the process. This role acts as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient journey.

Pay Class

Part Time

Pay Rate

$17 to $25.50 per hour

Essential Responsibilities

• Completing patient registration, gathering and submitting pertinent patient information, including medical history and ocular health data, into EMR.
• Assisting onsite doctors with patient care and eye examinations. Clearly explaining the preliminary testing process to patients, administering each preliminary test, and accurately documenting results in EMR.
• Assisting patients through the remote eye exam process, including:
  • Pre‑testing and specialty testing with accurate documentation in EMR.
  • Initiating remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing.
  • Assisting remote doctor and technician to complete additional testing required for a remote exam.
• After exam completion, transitioning the patient to a retail associate and conveying the doctor’s recommendations.
• Having a strong understanding of MVC plans and articulating plan benefits to patients.
• Preauthorizing insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• In partnership with retail associates, scheduling appointments and managing exam books per company guidelines, including contacting no‑shows and cancellations.
• Maintaining patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
• Answering patients’ clinical questions in person and over the telephone, triaging ocular emergencies, and scheduling annual eye exams.
• Maintaining complete and accurate patient records per company standards.
• Instructing patients on insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of contact lenses.
• Placing diagnostic contact lens orders, notifying patients when lenses are available for dispensing.
• Having a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters and accurately pulling contact lens trials when requested by a doctor.
• Ensuring a clean and healthy environment by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies, and ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
• Participating in specialized training of all responsibilities and completing required clinical certification(s).
• Being able to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands, including traveling to other locations.

Education & Experience

• One (1) year of related experience.
• Optical or healthcare background preferred.
• Medical office/business professionalism required.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.
• Training provided.

Behavioral Characteristics

• Patient advocate.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members.
• Very detail‑oriented and well organized.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other associates and patients.
• Work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.
• Energetic and self‑motivated.
• Team player.
• Excellent problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Exhibit empathy in all interactions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret insurance forms.
• Follow procedures and instructions.
• Read English.
• Operate and enter data into electronic software platforms efficiently and accurately.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work changing schedules to meet business demands, including travel between stores.
• Work inside store location.
• Use computers, electronic tablets, and pre‑testing instruments effectively.
• Reach above shoulder continuously.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time. The associate is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in this location is moderate, with use of computers, printers, and machines.

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI). Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the company’s Privacy & Security Training Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

VSP is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law.

Union Position Compensation

Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Specific terms are set forth in the company’s collective bargaining agreement with a minimum pay rate of $17 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $25.50 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.