VCS Health Tech (Optician) - Durham/Garner

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at the Durham - NC VA Medical Center and Garner VA Clinic is seeking an experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support optical shop operations and coordinate services for Veterans.

This role serves as a key liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, ensuring accurate measurements, smooth order progression, and excellent patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience as an Optician required.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high patient service standards.
• Identify prescription discrepancies and take corrective action for accuracy.
• Identify and resolve optical issues including verification and alignment.
• Proficient with optical equipment and tools listed (Lensometer, Pupilometer, etc.).
• Current valid REAL ID is required to work with VCS.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, options, and timelines.
• Maintain a professional environment and assist patients in eyewear decisions.
• Perform eyewear fittings and measurements using digital pupilometers, lensometers, and similar tools.
• Document patient information and measurements in CPRS.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems.
• Promote lens options and upgrades with a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with eye clinics, labs, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues.

Skills

Optician experience

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Quality assurance

Technical equipment proficiency

REAL ID knowledge

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

Frame heater

PD ruler

Vertex densometer

Inter pupillary measuring devices

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 Durham - NC VA Medical Center and Garner VA Clinic. 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.

Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Tech (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops at the Durham - NC VA Medical Center and Garner VA Clinic. 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

• Experience: 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 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 escalation 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.