Optometric Technician (Sylvan Eye Associates)

VSP Ventures; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

VSP Vision in Modesto, CA is seeking a clinical assistant to support Optometrists during eye examinations and patient care. You will gather patient history, operate instruments, and guide patients through the clinical experience.

Responsibilities include preparing patients, taking measurements, assisting with contact lens fitting, and maintaining accurate records. Prioritizing patient care and teamwork with staff are essential in this fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in related field.
• MS Office knowledge is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with patients.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• For remote or hybrid roles, maintain high engagement in virtual environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Optometrist with eye examinations and tests and guide patients through the clinical experience.
• Prepare patients by collecting vision and medical history and documenting information in records.
• Explain exam steps and ensure clear communication with patients throughout the process.
• Take measurements and operate clinical instruments to assess visual function before exams.
• Educate patients on contact lens insertion and removal; manage lens trials inventory.
• Administer topical ophthalmic and dilation medications as directed.
• Scribe for the doctor and provide translation as needed.
• Support patient flow, answer phones, verify insurance, and maintain a clean office.
• Cross-train in different departments and perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Compensation range for the role is listed above. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible incentive, bonuses and/or commission dependent on the role. For more information regarding VSP Vision benefits, please click here.

General Summary

The primary role is to assist the Optometrist with eye examinations and patient eye care including conducting pre‑testing or special testing, intaking patient history information, and guiding patients throughout the eye care and clinical experience.

Essential Functions

• Prepare patients before the examination by gathering information about the patient’s vision and medical history, explaining the exam process, and documenting all needed information in the patient’s record
• Able to work well with technology and various clinical instruments, taking measurements, and administering tests to determine the visual capabilities of the patient in preparation for the vision examination
• Perform contact lens insertion; educate and train patients on contact lens insertion and removal
• Order contact lenses of various types of materials and designs and manage contact lens trials inventory
• Administer topical ophthalmic and dilation medications
• Scribe for the doctor and translate as needed
• Prioritize patient care and patient flow while communicating effectively with doctors, staff, and patients
• Perform, under the direction of the Optometrist, some therapy exercises or procedures with the patient
• Assist in other areas of the office as necessary, such as answering phones, verifying insurance, checking in patients, scanning charts, maintaining a clean office, and checking patients in and out
• Work on special projects, cross‑train in different departments, and perform other related duties as assigned or requested

Job Specifications

Typically has the following skills or abilities:

• One to two years of experience in related field
• Working knowledge of MS Office package
• Effective verbal communication skills to prioritize multiple tasks and to be available for incoming calls and inquiries
• Effective written communication skills to clearly document patient visits
• Excellent interpersonal and rapport‑building skills
• Ability to ask appropriate and relevant questions to identify patient needs
• Ability to listen, process transactions and interact with patients simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• For roles that are remote (Work From Home) or hybrid (partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment

Working Conditions

The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

The above information on this description had been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job grade.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

VSP Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer And Does Not Discriminate On The Basis Of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, National Origin, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, Or Any Other Characteristic Protected By Federal, State, Or Local Law. To help us ensure we meet our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please consider responding to the following optional questions regarding race and gender. We are asking you to provide this information on a voluntary basis. All responses will be kept confidential and will in no way impact the consideration of your application. Applicants who live in the following jurisdictions should not respond to the race or gender self‑identification request, so please select “Prefer Not To Say, I Don’t Wish To Answer, I Decline To Self‑identify, Or I Decline To Identify My Race And Ethnicity” for the questions.

• Washington D.C.
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Washington

Unincorporated LA County Residents: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act, and any other similar laws.