VCS - Health Tech (Optician) Richmond VA

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks experienced Health Techs (Opticians) to support VCS Optical Shops in the Richmond area, coordinating operations between eye clinic providers and prosthetics teams.

Responsibilities include eyewear fittings, measurements, order processing, and customer service to ensure accurate prescriptions and timely delivery for Veterans and their families.

Qualifications

• Must be certified by the State Board of Opticianry.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working as an Optician.
• Ability to work independently while managing responsibilities and maintaining patient service standards.
• Ability to interpret prescriptions and resolve discrepancies to ensure accuracy.
• Proficient in use of optical equipment and tools including lensometry, frame alignment, PD measurements and related tasks.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide knowledgeable assistance 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 measurements using optical equipment.
• Document patient information and measurements in the CPRS system.
• Process eyewear orders, collect payments, and enter orders into VA systems.
• Promote lens options, upgrades, and additional eyewear using a consultative approach.
• Collaborate with eye clinics, laboratories, prosthetics staff, and vendors to track orders and resolve issues.
• Address customer concerns and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Maintain eyewear displays and assist with inventory and fixed assets.

Skills

Independent work

Prescription interpretation

Optical verification

Customer service

Education

State Board of Opticianry certification

Tools

Lensometer

Pupilometer

PD ruler

Frame heater

Vertex densometer

Job description

Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking experienced and motivated Health Techs (Opticians) to support operations within VCS Optical Shops in Richmond - VA. VA Medical Center and multiple outpatient clinics in the Richmond area. 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. 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

• 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 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.