Optometry Tech

Essen Medical Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Essen Health care is seeking a qualified Optometry Technician to support eye exams and related tests across our New York locations. You will assist Optometrists with preliminary testing, patient prep, and the management of ophthalmic equipment within a fast-paced clinical setting.

The ideal candidate holds COMT or COA credentials, a completed optometry technician program or relevant on-the-job training, and experience with EHR systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• COMT or related certification (CPO/COA) required.
• Completion of optometry technician training or relevant on-the-job experience.
• Familiarity with optometric equipment and testing procedures.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities

• Greet and check-in patients, ensuring a smooth intake process.
• Review patient history, update records, and verify insurance information.
• Provide patients with pre-exam instructions and assist with exam prep.
• Conduct preliminary eye tests such as visual acuity and pupil response.
• Administer diagnostic tests (retinal imaging, corneal topography, visual fields).
• Perform glasses measurements and fitting of trial lenses.
• Operate and maintain optometric instruments (autorefractors, slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, visual field machines).
• Explain procedures and provide guidance on eye care and eyewear.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Detail-oriented

Multitasking

HIPAA compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

COMT or COA/CPO certification

Optometry technician training program

Tools

Autorefractors

Slit lamps

Ophthalmoscopes

Visual field machines

EHR systems

Job description

Overview

Essen Health Care is the largest privately held, multispecialty medical group in New York, providing high-quality, compassionate care to some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved residents.

Founded in 1999, we’ve grown from a single primary care office into a network of 50+ locations offering urgent care, primary care and specialty services, from women’s health to endocrinology and psychiatry. We also provide nursing home support, care management, and in-home care through our Essen House Calls program. Guided by a Population Health model, our team of 500+ providers deliver care in-person, at home, or via telehealth, ensuring patients get the support they need when and where they need it.

We’re looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our growing team. Whether you’re a medical provider, administrator, or operations professional, there’s a career here for you. Join us in making a real difference in the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Optometry Technician assists Optometrists in performing eye exams, testing, and other clinical duties to support patient care. This role is crucial in providing efficient, accurate, and high-quality services to patients visiting the facility for eye exams, glasses fittings, or eye health consultations.

Responsibilities

Patient Interaction:

• Greet and check-in patients, ensuring a smooth intake process.
• Review patient history, update records, and verify insurance information.
• Provide patients with pre-exam instructions and assist with patient preparation for exams.

Assist with Eye Exams:

• Conduct preliminary eye tests, such as visual acuity, pupil response, and eye pressure tests (tonometry).
• Administer diagnostic tests, such as retinal imaging, corneal topography, and visual field testing.
• Perform measurements for glasses prescriptions, including refractive testing and fitting of trial lenses.

Equipment Operation:

• Operate and maintain optometric instruments like autorefractors, slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, and visual field machines.
• Clean and sterilize equipment after each use to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.

Patient Education and Support:

• Explain the procedures to patients and answer any questions they may have regarding their eye care.
• Provide guidance on proper eye care practices, contact lens use, and eyewear recommendations.

Administrative Support:

• Record and update patient information in the electronic health records (EHR) system.
• Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits.
• Ensure patient files are complete and accurately filed in the system.
• Assist with insurance billing and coding for optometry services.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming clinical environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification as an Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT) or related certification (e.g., CPO or COA)
• Completion of an optometry technician training program or relevant on-the-job experience.
• Familiarity with optometric equipment and testing procedures.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to multitask in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology related to eye care and optometry.
• Ability to handle patient data with confidentiality and in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus, given the patient demographic in the Bronx.
• Neuro experience
• Salary: $23-$25 an hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

Essen Health care is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we seek candidates who desire to work in and serve an ethnically diverse population.