Retail Licensed Optician

Visionworks of America; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 33,751 - 50,626; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical services company in New York seeks an Optical Sales Associate to assist customers with frame selection, fittings, and dispensing. Responsibilities include providing accurate product information, ensuring compliance with hygiene protocols, and interpreting prescriptions. A high school diploma is required, along with state licensure for ophthalmic dispensing. The role offers competitive pay between $24.50 and $36.75 per hour and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Maintain applicable state licensure for ophthalmic dispensing.
• Demonstrable knowledge in interpreting prescriptions and dispensing.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with frame selection and prescriptions.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene practices and social distancing.
• Provide accurate product information and recommendations.

Skills

Customer service

Optical product knowledge

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

Assists customers with frame selection, fittings, and dispensing of frames. Utilizes technical information to interpret prescriptions and guide customers in selecting optical products and services.

Pay Class and Pay

Pay Class: Full Time
Pay: $24.50 – $36.75 per hour

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist each customer in frame and lens selection while meeting social distancing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with social distancing, cleaning protocols, and hygiene practices.
• Provide customers with accurate product information regarding frames, lens selections, and other services.
• Provide customers covered by third‑party insurance with accurate benefit information and disclose any additional charges not covered.
• Use the SERVE sales process to identify customer needs and provide proper lens recommendations.
• Analyze and interpret patients’ prescriptions and communicate with the lab and optometrist to ensure accuracy.
• Sell, fit, and dispense frames and accessories using accurate measurements and verification of ordered products.
• Maintain a clean and orderly dispensing area.
• Accurately set customer pricing for retail customers.
• Maintain state‑district licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Provide feedback and guidance to apprentice opticians where applicable.
• Adhere to privacy, confidentiality, and proprietary company policies, including HIPAA.
• Participate in required training and educational activities to maintain professional affiliations.
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment, workstations, and overall facility daily.
• Complete additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience & Background

• Maintain applicable state licensure for ophthalmic dispensing.
• Demonstrable knowledge and ability in explaining optical products, interpreting prescriptions, and fitting and dispensing.

Language Skills

• Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Write simple correspondence.
• Present information effectively in one‑on‑one and small group settings.

Mathematical Skills

• Calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages.
• Apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.

Reasoning Ability

• Apply common sense to carry out written or oral instructions.
• Solve problems involving multiple concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, sit, and use hands to pick or feel most of the time.
• Frequently lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Gather close vision (clear at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear at 20 feet or more), color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjust focus.

Behavioral Characteristics

• Basic computer literacy.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to work with the public.
• Outgoing, positive professional personality and appearance.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Interact well with doctors and other associates.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Adaptability to support change.
• Work onsite and participate in interactive onsite meetings regularly.
• Initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with team members, clients, and customers.

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All associates must comply with HIPAA and protect protected health information (PHI) at all times. Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information and must adhere to all data security guidelines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Visionworks is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status stated by federal, state, or local law.

Union Position Compensation

Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Minimum pay rate is $24.50 per hour, with a maximum of $36.75 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities are also available.