Patient Educator - Ophthalmology experience preferred, no weekends, full benefits

EyeCare Partners LLC; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits Package - Medical,Vision

401k + Employer Matching

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Paid Maternity Leave

Optical Education Reimbursement

Competitive Base Pay

Job summary

Virginia Eye Consultants is seeking a Patient Educator to bridge patients and ophthalmology staff. You will conduct in-person or virtual screenings, discuss cataract and refractive surgery options, explain ATIOLs and financing, and support patient education and data entry.

The role emphasizes excellent service, clear communication, and coordinating with providers to optimize patient flow. Based in Norfolk with occasional travel to satellite offices, the position offers competitive pay and full

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in financial counseling is preferred.
• Experience working with insurance is preferred.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone).
• Greet patients promptly with a friendly attitude and thank them as they leave.
• Supports efficient patient flow and scheduling within the practice.
• Explains eye anatomy, cataract/refractive procedures and ATIOL options.
• Assists with education materials and coordinates with physicians and staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Financial counseling

Insurance knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

EyeCare Partners is the nation’s leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to our patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 650 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide care in 18 states and 80 markets, providing services that span the eye care continuum.

Company: Virginia Eye Consultants
Job Title: Patient Educator
Department: Ophthalmology
Reports To: Surgical Services Manager
Location: This position is based in Norfolk and requires occasional travel to our satellite offices. We pay mileage!
Pay: $18-22 DOE
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred

SUMMARY

The Patient Educator interfaces between patients who are interested in surgery and the medical, technical, and administrative staff. They provide in-person or virtual screenings, balanced education, and counseling to prospective patients regarding the benefits of surgery and their options. They discuss cost and payment options including their intraocular lens options (ATIOLs). They may also assist in maintaining relationship management systems including data entry of marketing and outcome data. Ideally, patient education starts before the patient comes in for cataract or refractive surgery evaluation. This is managed by contacting the patients before their scheduled appointment via email, phone, or text messages and by sharing information verbally, in writing, or with links to short videos. Once in the office, the Patient Educator meets with the patient prior to seeing the doctor, usually during the time after they have undergone technician exam procedures and is waiting to see the physician.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will require flexibility and a broad knowledge base, with ability to perform any of the below tasks.

• Providesexceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone)
• Displaysa professional attitude, greetspatients promptly with a smile, and thanksthem when they leave
• Practicesurgencyat all timeswith patients’ time, as well as doctors’ time and schedule, and managespatient flow
• Complieswithall company policies and procedures,including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability)
• Servesas support to patients for patient education, counseling, and inquiries:
• Discussion of patient's vision goals for after surgery
• Discussion of patient's daily living activities and hobbies
• Explanation of eye anatomy and the cataract orrefractive surgical procedure
• Explanation of each lens or package options and the benefits and limitations of these technologies (asappropriate forpatient's needs)
• ProvidesATIOL educational materials to patients through different modalities (i.e.,Rendia, video links, printed materials, etc.), and assistswithmaintainingpatient access to these materials throughout the practice
• Providesexplanation of lens or package pricing structure and payment/financing options with prospective patients
• Serves as the liaison between patients and physicians:
• Communicates patient's vision goals and ATIOL interest
• Communicates past ocular history as related to potential candidacy for ATIOL (i.e., refractive surgery,monovision, contact lens wear, astigmatism, trauma, pathology, etc.)
• Coordinates with practice staff to ensure seamless patient transfers
• Facilitates prompt, professional, patient-friendly communications (i.e., phone calls, emails, portal, etc.) between patient and physician or referring physician and surgeon
• Assistsin the practice development of ATIOL Program:
• Collaborates with administration for patient incentive letters, marketing for promotions, and gathering patient testimonials for practice materials and social media
• Compiles and generates patient data using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets
• Sends practice, product and/or treatment, and financing information via email or mail to non-closed leads
• Follows up with non-closed leads via phone, email, portal or mail and records progress using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets
• Job may requireother duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Desire to gain industry knowledge and training
• Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals
• Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change
• Consistently creating a positive work environment by being team-oriented and patient-focused
• Ability to interact with all levels of employees in a courteous, professional manner at all times
• Reliable transportation that would allow employee to go to multiple work locations with minimal notice
• Commitment to work over 40 hours to meet the needs of the business
• Ability to work weekends when applicable

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
• Experience in financial counseling is preferred
• Experience working with insurance is preferred

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS

• Minimum Required: None

SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions. The position involves frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25–50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential, as the role demands constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity—including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary.

Perks:

• Full Benefits Package - Medical, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance
• 401k + Employer Matching
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Optical Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Base Pay

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.