OPTOMETRIC SPECIALIST

University of Alabama at Birmingham; University (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham Eye Care seeks an OPTOMETRIC SPECIALIST to manage a high volume of contact lens and eyewear orders and to train optometry student interns. The role focuses on integrating contact lens and optical services into a single dispensing department and reports to the Optical Manager.

You will coordinate after-hours programs, oversee medically necessary lens cases, and handle insurance claims electronically. Onsite work with a day shift is planned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience required.
• ABO, NCLE, or COA certification required or willingness to obtain within 1 year of hire.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of contact lens and eyewear orders and patient management; coordinate and execute specialized after-hours contact lens programs quarterly.
• Assist patients in selecting and ordering eyewear as the departments transition into a single unified unit.
• Manage a high volume of medically necessary contact lens cases, including processing and obtaining prior authorizations.
• Lead onboarding and clinical training of optometry student interns, including quarterly after-hours training sessions.
• Prepare, review, and submit optical and contact lens insurance claims electronically; post payments in the EHR system.
• Follow up with insurance payers on processed claims, denials, or incomplete claims; perform refund adjustments.
• Manage untimely filing and write-offs; ensure insurance contracts are up to date to minimize loss.
• Advise patients on insurance coverage, billing, and available lens options; provide fabrication and repairs of eyewear.
• Accurately document all patient activity and clinical interactions in the EHR; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Electronic Health Records

Medical terminology

Education

High School Diploma

ABO Certification

NCLE Certification

COA Certification

Job description

Job Description - OPTOMETRIC SPECIALIST (T236755)

OPTOMETRIC SPECIALIST - ( T236755 )

Description

To assist in the operation of UAB Eye Care by managing a high volume of medically necessary contact lens cases, professional dispensing of eyeglasses, and training optometry student interns. While primarily based in the Contact Lens Department, this role is a key driver in the strategic consolidation of contact lens and optical services into a single, unified dispensing department. The position reports directly to the Optical Manager.

Key Duties Responsibilities

Patient Order Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of contact lens and eyewear orders and patient management; coordinate and execute specialized after-hours contact lens programs on a quarterly basis.

Clinical Dispensing Integration: Perform daily activities of the dispensary, assisting patients in selecting and ordering eyewear as the contact lens and optical departments transition into a single unified unit.

Medically Necessary Lens Coordination: Manage a high volume of specialty and medically necessary contact lens cases, including the intensive processing and approval of prior authorizations for these complex fits.

Clinical Mentorship Training: Lead the onboarding and clinical training of optometry student interns, including the strategic planning and management of quarterly after-hours training sessions.

Revenue Cycle Management: Prepare, review, and submit optical and contact lens insurance claims electronically; post payments and ensure accuracy within the EHR system.

Account Resolution: Follow up with insurance payers on processed claims, denials, or uncompleted claims; perform all refund adjustments and payment corrections.

Administrative Stewardship: Manage untimely filing and write-offs; partner with management and the contracting department to ensure insurance contracts are up to date to minimize loss.

Patient Counseling: Advise patients on insurance coverage, billing, promotions, and available clinical or lens options.

Technical Services: Provide fabrication and assembly of eyewear, as well as repairs and adjustments to existing frames.

Documentation: Accurately document all patient account activity and clinical interactions, both written and oral, within the EHR system.

Perform other duties as assigned.

(Hourly Rate: 19.80 - $32.15)

Qualifications

High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement. ABO, or NCLE, or COA or willingness to obtain within one (1) year of hire date.

Technical Skills: Computer proficiency; experience with Microsoft Office programs and Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Knowledge: Medical or ophthalmic terminology and basic anatomy and physiology preferred. Preferred Licenses Certifications ABO: American Board of Opticianry certification required, or willingness to obtain within 1 year of hire. NCLE: National Contact Lens Examiners certification preferred.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Primary Location

University

Job Category

Clerical & Administrative

Organization

332000000 Optometry Clinical Services

Employee Status

Regular

Shift : Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager) : Onsite