Optometry Assistant (OA)

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley; Delano (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid time off

401k plan with matching

Educational Assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley is hiring an Optometry Assistant to support the Optometrist with patient care and diagnostic testing in our state-of-the-art health centers.

Ideal candidates include those with healthcare experience or Optometric Assistant certification. The role emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and accurate documentation in the EHR, with opportunities to assist in eyewear fitting and dispensing.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Optometric Assistant certification preferred or 1 year experience in optometry/ophthalmology.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CPR/BLS certification required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients and obtain chief complaint, ocular and medical histories.
• Perform automated refraction, tonometry, lensometry and other ocular tests as directed by the Optometrist.
• Document findings in the ophthalmic template in the EHR.
• Assist patients in optical area with fitting, ordering and dispensing eyewear or contact lenses.
• Maintain optical boards and ensure glasses are restocked in the system.
• Provide basic education to patients and support community-oriented activities.

Skills

Bilingual

Interpersonal skills

Customer-service

Strong computer skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

High School diploma or GED

Optometric Assistant certification

Driver's license

CPR/BLS certification

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Overview

We are recruiting for Optometry Assistant's (OA) to join our team in one of our state of the art health centers. Consider joining the team to leave a lasting impact in your local community as our Optometry Assistant as you can look forward to rewarding benefits and a Monday-Friday schedule.

Experienced Medical Assistants and/or new Medical Assistant graduates are welcomed!

Our Optometry Assistant's work directly with our Optometrist provider and they strive to go above and beyond, take pride in their ability to listen to our patients, and provide excellent patient care. United Health Centers is looking for someone who can communicate clearly and warmly with a diverse patient population and who has the technical skills to assist providers in their patient’s medical care. If this sounds like you, then you might be our next Optometry Assistant!

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Director of Optometry Operations and other members of the clinic management team to:

• Provide prompt medical support; promote a smooth patient flow; collect and record data accurately; maintain order of exam rooms, equipment and ophthalmic supplies
• Primary tasks are to interview patients and obtain chief compliant, ocular and medical histories, perform auto refraction, automated tonometry, lensometry, and ancillary ocular tests as directed by the Optometrist such as color vision tests (Ishiara or Farnsworth), depth perception, visual fields and retinal photos.
• The optometry OA must also document all findings in the ophthalmic template in the EHR. The OA is also responsible for helping assist patients in the optical area with the fitting, ordering and dispensing of eyeglasses or contact lenses as directed by the Optometrist.
• The OA will maintain optical boards by making sure that glasses are restocked and accounted for in the electronic program. The OA provides or facilitates the provision of information needed by both patients and clinicians.
• Provide basic education and information to patients, making sure patients' questions are answered and anxieties alleviated and interfaces with community-oriented activities and staff
• Achieve the organizational mission to provide health care access for all the members of the community as well as help make sure patients and families get the care they need when they need it.
• Consistently and openly communicate with supervisor and all staff.
• Work flexible or extended hours when necessary and requested.
• Participate in health center in-services and meeting, listening and respecting others' ideas.
• Abide by Rules of Confidentiality of patient information.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• High School graduate or GED.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Possess a valid driver's license
• Valid lifesaving certification (CPR, BLS, etc.)

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 1 years of recent experience in a healthcare setting, preferred.
• Optometric Assistant certification or one (1) year recent prior experience in optometry or ophthalmology field, preferred.

SKILLS

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish) but not required.
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Effective leadership/supervisory skills
• Modern office practices and procedures including email
• Intermediate computer skills
• Attention to detail and excellent follow-through on work tasks
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and push up to 50 pounds (on wheels).
• Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
• Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
• Must have high manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.

The hourly wage range that UHC reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire starts at $22 an hour. Our salaries are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!