Optometric Assistant

Visionworks of America; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 23,419 - 35,128; Full time

Job summary

Visionworks of America is seeking a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant to ensure a great patient experience by preparing patients for onsite and remote examinations and completing pre-exam tests.

You will liaise between patients and Optometrists, assist with eye exams, document results in EMR, and help coordinate remote testing and insurance preauthorizations. Training is provided and travel to nearby stores may be required.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience.
• Optical or healthcare background preferred.
• HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience.
• Training provided.

Responsibilities

• Complete patient registration and input medical history into EMR.
• Assist onsite doctor with eye examinations and document results in EMR.
• Support remote appointments: pre-testing, testing documentation, and video conferencing.
• Transition patients to retail associate with recommendations.
• Explain plan benefits to patients and preauthorize insurance per SOP.
• Schedule appointments and manage exam books; contact no-shows and cancellations.
• Maintain patient flow and triage ocular emergencies.
• Instruct patients on contact lens care and stocking; notify when lenses are ready.
• Maintain clean, stocked environment and ensure equipment is covered nightly.
• Travel to other locations as needed.

Education

HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience

Job description

Summary

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

Pay

Pay Class: Full 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.
• Assist onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations. Clearly explain the preliminary testing process to patients, administer each preliminary test and accurately document the results in EMR.
• For patients with remote appointments, the Clinical Specialist will be required to assist patients through the remote eye exam process including, but not limited to:
• Pre‑testing and specialty testing and accurately documenting results in EMR.
• Initiate remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing.
• Assist remote doctor and remote technician to complete additional testing required for a remote exam.
• After exam completion transition the patient to a retail associate, conveying the recommendations of the doctor to the retail associate.
• Have a strong understanding of MVC plans and be able to articulate plan benefits to patients.
• Preauthorize insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• In partnership with the retail associates, schedule appointments and manage exam books according to company guidelines including contacting no‑shows and cancellations.
• Maintain patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
• Answer patients’ clinical questions in person and over the telephone. Triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
• Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to company standards.
• Instruct patients on the insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of their contact lenses.
• Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock. Notify patients when their contact lenses are available for dispensing.
• Have a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters. Accurately pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
• Ensure a clean and healthy environment for our patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies as well as ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
• Participate in specialized training of all responsibilities and complete required clinical certification(s).
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands to include traveling to other locations.

Education and Experience

• One (1) year of related experience.
• Optical or healthcare background preferred.
• Medical office/business professionalism required.
• HS 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 changing schedules to meet business demands to include travel between stores.
• Work inside store location.
• Use computers, electronic tablets, and pre‑testing instruments effectively.
• Reach above shoulder continuously.

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) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. As a component of job roles and responsibilities, associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. As a result, 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 identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law.