VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Minnesota Area

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

Job summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Optical Shops at the Minneapolis/Maplewood VA Medical Center are seeking an experienced Health Tech (Optician) to support operations and deliver excellent eyewear service to Veterans. The role coordinates optical operations and acts as a liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, assisting with fittings, measurements, and order processing.

Join us to help ensure accurate eyewear, quality patient care, and a smooth experience from frame

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience as an Optician.
• Independent work capability with high patient-service standards.
• Prescription interpretation and problem resolution.
• Optical verification and quality assurance including alignment, verification, and frame/lens selection.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, and delivery timelines.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment for patient eyewear decisions.
• Perform eyewear fittings and measurements with optical instruments.
• Document patient information in CPRS.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems.
• Promote lens options and upgrades using a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to resolve order issues.
• Maintain eyewear displays and manage inventory.

Skills

Customer service

Independent work

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

Frame heater

PD ruler

Lens clock

Interpupillary caliper

Frame cleaning tools

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 Minneapolis/Maplewood VA Medical Center. 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 Minneapolis/Maplewood VA Medical Center. 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: 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 escalated?
• 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.