SUMMARY:

The Optometry Assistant supports optometrists in delivering exceptional eye care services by assisting with patient exams performing pretesting procedures and managing administrative tasks. This role ensures smooth clinic operations by maintaining patient flow preparing exam rooms and educating patients on eye care and products. Additionally the Optometry Assistant may support the optical department with frame adjustments lens fittings and product recommendations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports and implements the organizations vision mission and values.
2. Determines priorities and method of completing daily workload to ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely manner.
3. Performs all job functions in a professional and courteous manner. This includes answering all phone calls and emails timely and providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
4. Fosters and promotes a culture of service excellence and accountability.
5. Establishes rapport with patients and customers determining needs and wants; analyzes and interprets prescriptions; responds to patient complaints.
6. Measures and dispenses spectacles; troubleshoots eyeglass problems; provides followup services including adjustments and repairs; demonstrates proficient use of standard Optometry equipment.
7. Documents and places eyeglass lab orders within 24 hours; and maintains patient records.
8. Properly labels medications and supplies with open date initials and job title. Monitors and modifies expiration date as required. Proper sterilization of required ophthalmic equipment and ready for immediate use.
9. Assists optometrist with pretesting (case history autorefraction visual acuity and any auxiliary testing requested).
10. Maintains the cleanliness of the pretesting rooms utilizing infection control techniques. Ensures that the assigned rooms are stocked with the necessary supplies and instruments prior to each patient exam.
11. Provides translation services and assists patients with instructions for all services.
12. Assists in the maintenance of medical records of patients to insure completeness accuracy and timeliness.
13. Check on order status with labs respond to any inquiries from patients.
14. Checks email communication daily submits orders electronically and performs data entry accurately.
15. Keeps track of daily activities and provides reports as requested.
16. Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
17. Must be willing and able to work at all locations as needed to meet patient care needs.
18. Performs all other duties as assigned some of which may be outside of business hours and/or on weekends.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. High school diploma or equivalent; completion of an Optician Program or related experience preferred.
2. Knowledge of basic medical and optometry terminology and procedures.
3. Strong communication skills (oral and written); bilingual Spanish preferred.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
5. Current CPR certification preferred.
6. Ability to work flexibly across various areas as needed.
7. Reliable professional and customer focused.
8. Demonstrates cultural competence and respects diverse values and beliefs.
9. Maintains a safe and organized work environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical environmental and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance stoop kneel crouch or sit. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing writing etc. The employee is occasionally required to ascend and descend stairs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Sensory: The employee is frequently required to read documents written reports and plans. Ability to compose routine reports and correspondence. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise as in answering the phone interacting with staff etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
• Cognitive: The employee is frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 2045 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days. Must be able to analyze information problems situations practices or procedures. Must be able to analyze data using qualitative and quantitative sources of information to formulate logical and objective conclusions and to recognize alternatives and their implications. Must be able to carry out instructions delivered in written oral or in other daily situations that arise and deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Environmental: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (health center/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances dust and loud noises.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by Title XXII other licensing regulations and Gracelight practices.
• This position requires the ability to travel between sites for business purposes. Employees must be able to reliably fulfill this travel requirement within the designated work hours.
• A personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes.
• While not initially required the candidate may be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.