Optometric Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay including incentives

Flexible work schedules

Opportunity for overtime

Job summary

Visionworks of America in Slingerlands seeks a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant responsible for providing an excellent patient experience through thorough exam preparation and effective communication with both patients and Optometrists. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, relevant experience, and strong customer service skills.

The role requires flexibility in scheduling, knowledge of healthcare practices, and the ability to multi-task while maintaining patient records and assisting with remote examinations.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience in optical or healthcare preferred.
• Strong medical office professionalism required.
• Must comply with HIPAA and data security guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Ensure great patient experience by assisting with exams.
• Complete pre-exam diagnostic tests and document results.
• Transition patients to retail associates with exam recommendations.
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist with scheduling.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to communicate clearly

Detail oriented and organized

Ability to multi-task

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

One year of related experience

Optical or Healthcare background preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Pre-testing instruments

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. The Clinical Specialist acts as a liaison between patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient journey.

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 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 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 lenses 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, including traveling to other locations.

Education / 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.
• Excelling 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.

Essential Responsibilities Related to Physical Demands / Work Environment

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

Conditions: The role requires sitting, standing, using hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talking or hearing most of the time. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms are required. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level is moderate (use of computers, printers, and machines).

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All associates must comply with 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.

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, 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.