OPTOMETRIC TECHNICIAN

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) seeks a Full-time Optometric Technician to coordinate CABVI Optical Services and support the rehabilitation department. You will assist the optometrist, manage patient flow, and ensure accurate documentation and billing for exams and eyewear.

In this role, you’ll maintain inventory, assist with lab processes, provide friendly customer service to consumers and agency staff, and help grow the optical shop with welcoming displays

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in medical/healthcare environment preferred.
• CPOT credentials a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate optical services under the direction of the optician.
• Co-manage the optical shop including inventory, sales and promotions.
• Assist the optometrist with exams and pretesting activities.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Medical terminology

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

CPOT credential a plus

Tools

Macola

Job description

CABVI is looking for a Full-time Optometric Technician to coordinate CABVI Optical Services, provide administrative assistance and support to the rehabilitation department, and provide excellent customer service to consumers and agency staff.

Key Job Elements

• Under the direction of the optician, coordinate optical services and support all activities, processes and procedures related to dispensing eyeglasses. Co-manage the optical shop including inventory, sales and promotional events. Ensure effective marketing, attractive displays and premium optical shop appearance.
• Coordinate patients’ prescriptions to ensure receipt by the optician. Schedule patients for optical services. Assist the optician in all processes related to securing lens and frames; from engagement with the labs, processing returns, securing credits, and more.
• Provide clinical assistance to patients by collecting & documenting patients’ medical and ophthalmic data while maintaining outstanding customer service. Assist Optometrists on the exam day(s), serving as the Ophthalmic Technician.
• Obtain concise, complete ocular medical history. Complete low vision pre‑evaluations. Conduct brief external exams to understand and recognize normal and abnormal findings and record with the preliminary work up.
• Under the direction of the optometrist, complete pretesting and ancillary testing on patients. Understand the purpose and procedure for each test performed to explain the testing to the patient and record results accurately. Print test results and ensure completeness of low vision consumer chart. Summarize diagnostic findings for the doctor.
• Work as a medical assistant to our optometry staff providing patient support, organizing and maintaining the medical records and working as a scribe for the doctor. Process and facilitate patient requests for copies of medical records. Maintain open and professional communication with all low vision staff as well as patients.
• Maintain exam rooms to ensure they are properly stocked with both devices and diagnostic equipment. Complete annual inventory audit. Ensure the examination equipment is appropriately sanitized. Report and monitor equipment repair needs, including routine maintenance and periodic equipment calibration; provide training to other Rehabilitation staff as needed.
• Work with CABVI Technology Specialist to assist with the sale of products offered in the Sight Shoppe.
• Utilize Macola to track inventory and sales, generate Macola management reports as needed. Maintain a good understanding of insurance billing as it pertains to reimbursement of exams, lens, and other related equipment. Accurately submit billing forms to the CABVI business office. Interact as needed with our billing company to ensure maximum revenue is secured.
• Accept referrals for service and track timeliness of service delivery. Schedule low vision appointments, including follow up to ensure patient was seen and referral information is received. Send out exam appointment letters and make reminder calls. Schedule follow‑up appointments. Make outreach calls to previously served patients, making referrals as needed to ensure consistent care is provided. Process NYSCB required documentation.
• Maintain current patient files, set up new patient charts, ensure referral documentation is received, complete intakes as needed and ensure insurance/program approval is received. Purge records as needed. Ensure consistent file set up and completeness. Process and facilitate requests for copies of medical records. Maintain the full rehabilitation record for all patients including other services such as OT, O&M and technology.
• Dispense adaptive equipment and low vision aids and equipment to staff and consumers as directed. Provide patient education and follow up instructions as prescribed by the doctor. Provide a high level of customer service. Demonstrate above average communication skills.
• Submit and track authorizations and referrals. Assist with completion of forms and letters related to care provided. Prepare correspondence, reports and low vision exam findings and forward to the referring doctor and/or patients primary care provider.
• Ensure outstanding customer relations with affiliated agencies, MD’s, related agencies, community organizations, other CABVI departments and consumers. Maintain communication to secure additional documentation as needed. Coordinate and ensure the completion of exam reports to referring doctors.
• Assist with specialized events such as residential programs, open house, group classes, adaptive sports and recreation programs and other rehab related service programs.
• Work with the Rehab Department Managers to facilitate change and new approaches to service delivery as necessary for continued department growth.

Communication Skills

Must have excellent listening skills and the ability to effectively respond to a variety of customer service demands. Must have ability to effectively communicate and obtain information from staff. Must have a positive attitude. Ability to represent CABVI with a polished, approachable, and respectable demeanor.

Computer/Technical Skills

Must have ability to learn and effectively use low vision diagnostic equipment. Basic math skills. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Experience in inventory software is a plus. Must be willing to learn new technology.

Reasoning Ability

Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Must exercise good judgement and maintain the highest level of confidentiality. Must maintain strict adherence to CABVI’s mission statement and core values.

Physical Demands

Must have good manual dexterity, eye‑hand coordination, and precision to work with a variety of optical equipment. Frequently required to talk or hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel. May require lifting up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key job elements.

Work Environment

In‑house position. Occasionally exposed to mechanical parts. Noise level is moderate. Occasionally, may be required to travel to off‑site low vision clinics.

Education And/Or Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of two years of work experience in a medical, insurance or health related organization required. Certified Paraoptometric Technician credentials (CPOT) a plus.

Rate of Pay

$20.50/hour