Optometric Assistant

VisionWorks; West Babylon (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

VisionWorks is seeking a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant in West Babylon, NY. This role is crucial in ensuring a great patient experience by preparing patients for examinations and assisting with various tests. The ideal candidate will have experience in a medical setting and excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities include assisting doctors, maintaining accurate records in EMR, and educating patients on contact lenses. Candidates with a healthcare background are preferred for this full-time position offering $18 to $27 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a medical office or similar environment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for onsite and remote examinations.
• Assist onsite doctors with patient care and eye examinations.
• Maintain accurate patient records in EMR.
• Educate patients on contact lens usage.

Skills

Customer service skills

Detail oriented

Communication skills

Team player

Problem-solving ability

Multi-tasking ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year of related experience

Optical or healthcare background preferred

Job description

Summary

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 patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient’s journey.

Pay Class

Full Time

Pay Rate

$18 to $27 per hour

Essential Responsibilities

1. Completing patient registration, gathering and submitting pertinent patient information including Medical History and Ocular Health data into EMR.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. After exam completion transition the patient to a retail associate, conveying the recommendations of the doctor to the retail associate.
5. Have a strong understanding of MVC plans and be able to articulate plan benefits to patients.
6. Preauthorize insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
7. In partnership with the retail associates, schedule appointments and manage exam books according to company guidelines including contacting no‑shows and cancellations.
8. Maintain patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
9. Answer patients' clinical questions in person and over the telephone. Triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
10. Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to company standards.
11. Instruct patients on the insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of their contact lenses.
12. Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock. Notify patients when their contact lenses are available for dispensing.
13. Have a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters. Accurately pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
14. Ensure a clean and healthy environment for patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies and ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
15. Participate in specialized training of all responsibilities and complete required clinical certification(s).
16. 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.
• 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.

Physical Demands

Physical demands include: standing, walking, sitting, use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking or hearing, and close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). Most tasks are performed 1/3 to 2/3 or more of the working time. Employees should be able to lift up to 20 pounds, and the noise level in the location is moderate.

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. Associates may have access to CHI, cardholder data or other confidential customer information. They must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established in 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. The statements in this description are not intended to be all‑inclusive; they represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. As required by changing business needs, additional responsibilities may be identified and assigned.

Union Position Compensation

Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Minimum pay $18 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $27 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.