Optometric Assistant

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

Job summary

Visionworks of America in New York is seeking a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant to prepare patients for on-site and remote examinations, run pre-exam tests, and guide patients through each step of the process.

You will act as a liaison between patients and Optometrists, documenting results in EMR, assisting with insurance preauthorization, scheduling, and maintaining a clean, organized clinical environment. Training is provided.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience in optical/healthcare preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficient in medical office professionalism and EMR data entry.
• Willingness to travel between store locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for on-site and remote examinations and explain steps.
• Administer preliminary tests and document results in EMR.
• Assist onsite doctor and remote staff during exams and testing.
• Manage patient scheduling, registrations, and insurance preauthorisation.
• Maintain patient records and ensure clean clinical environment.
• Provide patient education on contact lens care and usage.
• Coordinate with retail staff to transition patients to recommended products.

Skills

Patient care

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Overview

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

Pay Information

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, assist patients through the remote eye exam process, including pre‑testing, specialty testing and accurately documenting results in EMR, initiating remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing, and assisting remote doctor and 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.
• Preauthorise 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, 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.
• Strong 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.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Noise level in this location is moderate (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 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.