VCS Health Tech (Optician)- Ohio Area

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) at the Columbus VA Medical Center is seeking experienced Health Tech (Opticians) to support Optical Shops across Ohio. This role coordinates optical operations and serves as a liaison between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams, delivering outstanding service to Veterans.

You will perform eyewear fittings, measurements, and assist with frame selection, pricing, and delivery timelines.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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)
• 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
• 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 upscale complex issues when necessary
• Maintain eyewear displays in a clean - organized - and visually appealing manner
• Support merchandise control - pricing - recordkeeping - and protection of inventory and fixed assets.

Skills

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Optical verification

Technical equipment proficiency

Tools

Lensometer

Lens clock

Frame heater

PD ruler

Pupilometer

Penlight

Interpupillary measuring devices

Frame and lens cleaning products

Thickness caliper

Vertex densometer

Tolerance charts

Visual acuity charts

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 Columbus - Grove City - Marion - Delaware OH 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

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 upscale 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.