VCS Health Tech (Optician) - New Orleans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support optical operations within VCS Shops at the New Orleans VA Medical Center and Baton Rouge VA Clinic.

You will coordinate optical operations and liaise between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams to ensure excellent patient service for Veterans. The role requires at least one year of optician experience, strong independent work capabilities, and expertise in prescription interpretation and

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience as an Optician.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of patient service.
• Ability to interpret prescriptions and resolve discrepancies for accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and assist with frame selection, pricing, product options, and delivery timelines.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment while helping patients make informed eyewear decisions.
• Perform eyewear fittings and obtain accurate measurements using CAD/optical equipment.
• Document patient information and measurements in CPRS.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems.
• Promote lens options and upgrades using a consultative approach.
• Coordinate with clinics, labs, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues.
• Address customer concerns professionally and escalate complex issues as needed.
• Maintain eyewear displays and assist with inventory and fixed assets protection.

Skills

Optician experience

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Optical verification

Optical equipment proficiency

Frame selection

Customer service

Tools

Lensometer

Lens clock

PD ruler

Pupilometer

Vertex densometer

Inter pupillary measurement

Frame heater

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 New Orleans VA Medical Center and Baton Rouge 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 New Orleans VA Medical Center and Baton Rouge 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

• 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 elevate 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.