VCS Health Tech (Optician) Chattanooga TN

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Chattanooga VA Medical Center and multiple clinics in the Chattanooga area.

This role coordinates optical operations and acts as a liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams to ensure exceptional eyewear service for Veterans. Candidates must be state-board certified with at least one year of experience, able to work independently, and

Qualifications

• Certified by the State Board of Opticianry with at least 1 year of optician experience.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high patient service standards.
• Accurate interpretation of prescriptions and resolution of discrepancies.
• Skilled in optical verification, alignment, and correct frame selection.
• Proficient with optical tools and equipment listed in job duties.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers with frame selection, pricing, and timelines.
• Perform eyewear fittings and measurements using lensometers and pupilometers.
• Document patient data in CPRS and process eyewear orders.
• Promote lens options and upgrades with a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with clinics, labs, prosthetics, and vendors to resolve issues.

Skills

State board certification

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Optical verification

Equipment proficiency

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

Frame heater

PD ruler

Vertex densometer

Job description

Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Chattanooga - TN VA Medical Center and multiple outpatient clinics in the Chattanooga area. This position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional service by coordinating optical operations and serving as a key liaison between VCS - eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams. Join us and help enhance the experience for our Nation's Veterans.

Qualifications

• Licensure & Experience: Must be certified by the (State name) State Board of Opticianry. (Remove if not required by the state) Minimum of one (1) year of experience working as an Optician required.
• Independent Work Capability: Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing responsibilities efficiently and maintaining high standards of patient service.
• Prescription Interpretation & Problem Resolution: Ability to identify prescription discrepancies or anomalies and take appropriate corrective action to ensure accuracy and patient satisfaction.
• Optical Verification & Quality Assurance: Skilled in identifying and resolving optical issues - including prescription verification - transitions verification - optical center alignment - segment height accuracy - and appropriate frame selection.
• Technical Equipment & Tools Proficiency: Proficient in the use of optical equipment and tools - including: Adjustment and bench tools Lensometer and lens clock Frame heater PD ruler and pupilometer Penlight and interpupillary measuring devices Frame and lens cleaning products Thickness caliper Vertex densometer Tolerance charts Visual acuity charts.
• Identification Requirement: A current - valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to the following: Customer Service & Patient Assistance: Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection - pricing - product options - and delivery timelines
• Maintain a professional - welcoming environment while supporting patients in making informed eyewear decisions
• Eyewear Fitting & Optical Measurements: Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using optical equipment such as digital pupilometers - lensometers - and other tools
• Document patient information and measurements within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)
• Order Processing & Sales Support: Process eyewear orders - collect payments - prepare sales documentation - and enter orders into contractor and VA systems
• Promote appropriate lens options - upgrades - and additional eyewear using a consultative - no-pressure sales approach
• Coordination & Issue Resolution: Collaborate with eye clinics - laboratories - prosthetics staff - and vendors to track orders and resolve issues related to missing - damaged - or delayed eyewear
• Address customer concerns professionally and **escalate** complex issues when necessary
• Inventory & Merchandise Management: Maintain eyewear displays in a clean - organized - and visually appealing manner
• Support merchandise control - pricing - recordkeeping - and protection of inventory and fixed assets.