Retail Ophthalmic Dispensing Trainee

VisionWorks; Town of Rodman (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

VisionWorks is seeking an optical assistant to help customers select frames and lenses while interpreting prescriptions. You will convey product information, discuss insurance benefits, and assist with pricing. This role requires a NY/MA Apprentice permit and 1–3 months of related experience, with a focus on accuracy and customer service.

You will work in a retail setting, ensuring HIPAA privacy and coordinating with labs and the optometrist to guarantee correct prescriptions and timely service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must hold a current NY or MA Apprentice permit to practice.
• 1–3 months related experience or training.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions and manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers in frame and lens selection.
• Provide accurate product information regarding frames, lens selections and services.
• Explain insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs and discuss options.
• Sell, fit and dispense frames and accessories.
• Maintain a clean dispensing area and ensure pricing accuracy.
• Coordinate with lab and optometrist to ensure prescription accuracy.
• Adhere to HIPAA privacy policies and procedures.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Writing reports

Public speaking

Customer service

English fluency

Basic math

Team work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprentice permit NY/MA

1-3 months related experience

Job description

Summary:

Assist customers with frames selection, fits and dispenses frames.Utilizing technical information to interpret prescriptions and assist customers with their selection of optical products/services.

Pay Class and Pay Rate:

Pay Class: Full Time

Pay Rate: $17.50 - $26.25 per hour

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist each customer in frame and lens selection.
• Provide customers with accurate product information regarding frames, lens selections and other services.
• Provide customers covered by Third Party insurance with accurate information regarding benefits to ensure proper selection of frames and lenses.Discuss frames/lens extras and options.Inform the customer of any additional charges not covered by their Third Party insurance coverage.Analyze and interpret patients' prescriptions.
• Sell, fit and dispense frames and other accessories.
• Maintain a clean and orderly dispensing area.
• Responsible for the accuracy of patient pricing.
• Communicate clearly with lab and Optometrist to ensure accuracy of prescription.
• Fulfill education and experience requirements to become Licensed Optician within state/contract mandated time frame.
• Adhere to privacy and confidential and proprietary company policies and procedures (i.e. HIPAA).
• Participate in any/all training and educational activities necessary to fulfill at least the minimum requirements as specified within your departmental goals. This is in addition to, the completion of any activities necessary for the maintenance of professional affiliations or organizational requirements.
• Diligently maintain the cleanliness of all equipment, workstations and the overall facility on a daily basis.
• As required by changing business needs, complete additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education:

• *High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience & Background:

• *Must have a current New York or Massachusetts Apprentice permit to practice.
• *Copy of permit must be on file with the Human Resources Department
• *One to three months of related experience and/or training

Language Skills:

• *Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• *Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• *Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or associates of the organization

Mathematical Skills:

• *Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest and percentages
• *Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

Reasoning Ability:

• *Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• *Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations

Essential Responsibilities related to Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time. The associate is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in this location is moderate (use of computers, printers and machines).

• Activity
• Amount of Time
• None
• Under 1/3
• 1/3 to 2/3
• Over 2/3
• Stand X
• Walk X
• Sit X
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel X
• Reach with Hands and Arms X
• Climb or balance X
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl X
• Talk or hear X

Essential Responsibilities related to Behavioral Characteristics:

• *Basic computer literacy
• *Strong communication skills and the desire to work with the public
• *Possess an outgoing, positiveprofessional personality & appearance
• *Ability to work independently and as part of team
• *Ability to interact well with associates
• *Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• *Flexibility to support change
• *Ability to work onsite and participate in interactive onsite meetings on a regular and predictable basis.
• *Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination and collaboration with team members, clients, customers etc.

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All Associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. As a component of job roles and responsibilities, Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times.As a result, Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the Company's Privacy & Security Training Program.

Union Position Compensation

Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Specific terms are set forth in the Company's collective bargaining agreement with a minimum pay rate of $17.50 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $26.25 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer

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.

Unincorporated LA County Residents

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.

Remote / Hybrid Position Information

For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFH)) or hybrid (i.e., 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.

Compensation details

Compensation range for the roles is listed above. Applicable salary rangers 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 bonuses, equity, and commissions.