Optometric Assistant

SEARHC; Juneau, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is hiring an Optometry Assistant to support eye care for patients of all ages. The role develops optical and imaging skills through on‑the‑job training and self‑training modules.

Entry is welcome, with a four‑level career ladder and progression based on performance, certifications, and independent duties. Travel with optometrist is required 3–6 weeks per year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• BLS must be obtained within 3 months of hire.
• CPOT or Alaska Dispensing Optician License required or obtained.
• Clinical competency required within 3 months and every 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assist patients, perform optical and point-of-care testing.
• Process optical orders, verify benefits, select frames, take measurements, and handle dispensing.
• Manage inventory, orders, returns, and frame placement.
• Prepare and reconcile invoices for payments.
• Acquire ocular images (photos, OCT, visual fields) and enter into medical records.
• Provide triage, scheduling, phones, and patient questions; support referrals.

Skills

Customer service

Documentation

Optometry assistance

Imaging

Scheduling

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BLS certification or within 3 months

CPOT or Alaska Dispensing Optician License

Clinical Competency every 3 years

Tools

None

Job description

Pay Range:$25.00 - $30.04 Training provided! Looking for a new opportunity in healthcare? We have various levels of this role, which can kickstart your Optometry career! Entry level candidates welcome! This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear communication and timely documentation are essential for this position. This is a career ladder position with four levels designed to provide progressively more technical and independent work experiences. Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications, and the demonstrated ability to successfully handle duties requiring progressively more responsibility.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career.

We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job (as skills acquire)

• Optometry Assistant Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing. Accurately document in a timely manner.
• Optical Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements.
• Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement.
• Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment.
• Imaging Acquires ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography. Enters images into medical record for provider review.
• Administrative Support Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients. Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork. Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals. Order and maintain office and medical supplies.
• Other Functions Always maintain patient confidentiality. Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Details

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire
• Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) from the American Optometric Association AND/OR Alaska Dispensing Optician License.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

• Knowledge of Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles.
• Skills in Customer service, time management and organization.
• Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Ability to Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.
• Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.
• Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.
• Other Qualifications Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.
• Travel Required Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year.

Position Information: Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

We Want You to Join our Team Southeast Alaska is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, proudest Native cultures, and thriving pioneer spirits. SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) helps to keep it healthy. Every career with SEARHC comes with a positive work culture, a team with shared values, and competitive benefits. SEARHC offers sign-on bonuses for Registered Nurses, Hot Jobs and Certified Nurses Assistants. At SEARHC, we are passionate about enhancing the health and wellbeing of our team as well as the communities we serve. We Embody our Values: Respect Cultural Identity Service Professionalism Compassion.