Optometric Technician

American Eyecare; Iowa; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

American Eyecare seeks an Optometric Technician to prepare patients, perform diagnostic testing, and document findings in the EHR. You will support exam rooms, assist doctors, and help ensure a smooth patient flow in a fast-paced clinic.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, reliable, and detail-oriented, with strong communication skills and experience in medical offices. Training on diagnostic equipment and EHR systems will be provided, with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Medical office experience or ability to learn clinical procedures.
• Minimum of one year of customer service experience.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and email.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and maintain accuracy in a busy clinical environment.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Reliability and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and prepare them for examinations.
• Prepare patients for examinations by documenting histories and symptoms.
• Perform diagnostic testing (visual acuity, lensometry, pupillary assessments, autorefraction, keratometry, etc.).
• Assist optometrists with exams and procedures.
• Document findings accurately in the EHR.
• Maintain exam rooms and equipment readiness.
• Support patient scheduling, lens orders, and referrals.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality.
• Provide patient education and contact lens training as needed.
• Coordinate with front desk to optimize patient flow.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy

HIPAA compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in healthcare field

CPO or CMA certification

Tools

EHR software

Job description

The Optometric Technician plays an essential role in delivering high-quality patient care and supporting efficient clinical operations at American Eyecare. Working closely with optometrists and other members of the care team, this position is responsible for preparing patients for examinations, performing diagnostic testing, documenting clinical information, and helping ensure a positive, professional patient experience.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Success in this role requires strong technical aptitude, excellent communication skills, initiative, and a commitment to accuracy, teamwork, and patient satisfaction.

Patient Care & Clinical Support

Welcome patients, explain examination procedures, and create a comfortable, professional environment throughout the patient visit.

Prepare patients for examinations by obtaining and documenting relevant medical and ocular histories, medications, symptoms, and chief complaints.

Perform preliminary and diagnostic testing, including visual acuity, lensometry, pupillary assessments, autorefraction, keratometry, pupillary distance measurements, color vision, stereopsis, and other testing as directed.

Perform additional clinical procedures, including blood pressure measurements, blood glucose testing, and pupil dilation when appropriately trained, authorized, and directed.

Accurately document examination findings and test results within the electronic health record (EHR) system.

Prepare examination rooms, instruments, and equipment for routine, medical, and urgent patient visits.

Assist optometrists with examinations, diagnostic procedures, and patient care activities within the scope of training and established practice protocols.

Recognize patient concerns or changes in condition and promptly communicate relevant information to the optometrist.

Clinical Operations & Patient Flow

Coordinate with optometrists, technicians, opticians, and front desk personnel to maintain efficient patient flow and minimize unnecessary delays.

Prepare examination rooms between patients, ensuring equipment is clean, functional, and ready for use.

Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and established practice procedures.

Identify equipment concerns, workflow interruptions, or patient care issues and communicate them promptly to appropriate team members.

Support accurate and timely completion of clinical documentation to facilitate continuity of care and efficient clinic operations.

Assist with contact lens training, patient education, and related services as directed and within the scope of training.

Maintain appropriate inventory levels of clinical supplies and assist with ordering, stocking, and organization.

Patient Experience & Administrative Support

Provide friendly, professional, and responsive service to patients in person and by telephone.

Explain testing procedures, answer routine patient questions, and communicate concerns requiring optometrist attention.

Assist with patient scheduling, contact lens orders, prescription refill requests, and referrals as needed.

Communicate and coordinate with outside healthcare providers regarding patient referrals, records, and continuity of care.

Maintain accurate patient records and ensure compliance with HIPAA, infection control standards, and established practice policies.

Participate in cross-training and provide support in other areas of the practice, including front desk operations, as operational needs require.

Identify opportunities to improve patient service, clinical workflows, and overall practice efficiency.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Previous medical office experience or a demonstrated ability to learn clinical procedures and healthcare technology.

Minimum of one year of customer service experience.

Strong computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, email, and general office applications.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accuracy in a busy clinical environment.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to patient confidentiality.

Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Willingness and ability to learn diagnostic equipment, clinical procedures, and electronic health record systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or associate degree in a healthcare‑related field.

Previous experience in optometry, ophthalmology, or another clinical healthcare setting.

Experience performing preliminary vision testing or operating ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.

Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) or practice management software.

Experience working in a fast‑paced, patient-centered healthcare environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional healthcare environment and requires frequent interaction with patients, providers, and other team members.

Responsibilities involve prolonged periods of standing and walking, frequent computer and diagnostic equipment use, and routine movement throughout the clinic. The position requires the ability to perform detailed visual tasks, operate clinical instruments, and occasionally lift or move supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Schedule & Travel

Position Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday‑Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Workweek: Four-day workweek

Travel: Occasional travel between American Eyecare clinic locations may be required to support staffing and operational needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Information

The responsibilities outlined above are intended to describe the general nature and scope of the position and are not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may be modified or expanded based on organizational needs.

American Eyecare, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace.