OPTOMETRIC SPECIALIST

UAB Medicine; University (FL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

UAB Eye Care is seeking an Optometric Specialist to manage a high volume of contact lens cases and the dispensing of eyewear. The role focuses on integrating contact lens and optical services into a unified department, reporting to the Optical Manager.

The position involves mentoring optometry student interns, handling insurance claims, and ensuring accurate documentation within the EHR system. Hours are Day/1st Shift with onsite work.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience required.
• ABO/NCLE/COA certifications or willingness to obtain within one year of hire date.
• Proficient with EHR and Microsoft Office programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of contact lens and eyewear orders and patient management; coordinate after-hours contact lens programs quarterly.
• Perform daily activities of the dispensary and assist patients in eyewear selection and ordering.
• Manage a high volume of medically necessary contact lens cases and process prior authorizations.
• Lead onboarding and training of optometry student interns with quarterly after-hours sessions.
• Prepare, review, and submit optical and contact lens insurance claims; post payments in the EHR.
• Follow up with insurance payers on processed claims, denials, or incomplete claims; perform refund adjustments.
• Ensure insurance contracts are up to date in partnership with management and contracting.
• Advise patients on insurance coverage, billing, promotions, and lens options.
• Fabrication and assembly of eyewear; provide repairs and adjustments to frames.
• Accurately document all patient activity in the EHR system; maintain records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Patient interaction

Medical terminology

Microsoft Office

EHR

Education

ABO certification

NCLE certification

COA certification

Tools

EHR software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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