Optometric Assistant I

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC); Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,383; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health benefits

Retirement options

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is hiring an Optometry Assistant in Juneau, Alaska. The role supports eye care services for patients of all ages and incorporates responsibilities such as patient screening, optical orders, and imaging tasks. The position emphasizes customer service and requires a High School Diploma or GED, with additional certifications needed within three months. SEARHC offers competitive pay and benefits, reflecting their commitment to employee development.

Qualifications

• One year of medical office experience preferred.
• Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year.
• Fine detail manual dexterity for eyeglass repairs.

Responsibilities

• Room and screen patients for providers, perform optical lab testing.
• Assist with optical orders including frame selection and order verification.
• Acquire and document ocular imaging.
• Assist with triage and scheduling of patients.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Organization

Computer use

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BLS at hire

Clinical Competency

Job description

Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.04. This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. This position requires and 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

• Acquire ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography.
• Enter 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.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

Experience Required

• One year of medical office experience preferred.

Knowledge of

• Medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Customer service principles.
• 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

• Multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.
• Learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.
• Problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.

Travel Required

• Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks per year.

Other Qualifications

• Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.

Position Information

Work Shift: OT 8/40