VCS Health Tech (Optician) Missouri Area

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Health Tech (Opticians) to support VCS Optical Shops at the Columbia and Rolla MO VA Medical Centers.

This role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, enhancing the veteran eyewear experience. Responsibilities include eyewear fittings, measurements, order processing, customer service, and collaboration with clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to ensure timely

Qualifications

• Must be certified by the State Board of Opticianry (as applicable).
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high patient-service standards.
• Ability to identify prescription discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Skilled in optical verification, alignment and frame selection with proper measurements.
• Proficient in using optical equipment and tools listed above.
• A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with VCS.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance with frame selection, pricing, options, and delivery timelines.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while helping patients make informed eyewear decisions.
• Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using digital pupilometers, lensometers, and related tools.
• Document patient information and measurements within the CPRS system.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems and contractors' systems.
• Promote appropriate lens options and upgrades with a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff and vendors to track orders and resolve issues.
• Address customer concerns professionally and resolve complex issues as needed.
• Maintain eyewear displays, inventory, pricing, and recordkeeping; protect assets.

Skills

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Problem resolution

Customer service

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

PD ruler

Frame heater

Vertex densometer

Interpupillary 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 Columbia and Rolla MO 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 Columbia and Rolla MO 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: Must be certified by the (State name) State Board of Opticianry. 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 eliminate 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.