Optometric Technician

Optometric Technician
Valley Health Partners Community Vision Center- Allentown PA

Job Summary
Performs a variety of patient care, administrative, and technical tasks to ensure efficient clinic operations and a positive patient experience. Responsibilities include preparing patients for exams, collecting medical history, conducting preliminary testing, and assisting with diagnostic equipment. The Optometric Assistant also helps with scheduling, documentation, and maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide compassionate, professional service to patients.
Work Experience

• One-year relevant experience and/or training.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Equivalent combination of education in optometric or ophthalmology practice.

Licenses & Certifications

• BLS upon hire.
• Work toward Paraoptometric Certification.

Needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the meaning and use of medical and optometric terminology and abbreviations.
• Basic eye anatomy and common ocular conditions.
• Knowledge of Pre-testing equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of Medical and vision insurance processes.
• Ability to operate diagnostic optometric equipment.
• Knowledge of patient rights and laws relative to those rights, such as HIPAA.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to effectively communicate with patients to record initial patient history, including present/chief complaint, past ocular history, family history, systemic illness, medications, allergies, and drug reactions.
• Excellent computer skills to enter patient history, medication and transcribe physician's dictation into patient charts as needed.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the team over the individual.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and patient volumes.
• Ability to work with patients of all ages.

Essential Functions:

Assist Optometrists with clinical tasks as directed.

• Perform preliminary evaluation of patients prior to exam by the Optometrist, such as dilation and review of systems.

• Perform verbal interview with patients prior to visit with Optometrist to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit for communication to Optometrist prior to appointment.
• Records and maintains patient records / files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA)
• Assists Optometrist to care for patients in a timely, effective manner, as closely to appointed schedule as much as possible.
• Respond to patient's telephone inquiries under the supervision of the Optometrist.
• Perform pre-test procedures, including:
  Visual acuity testing
  Tonometry
  Visual fields
  Fundus photography
  OCT testing
• Educate patients on contact lens insertion, removal, and care.
• Clean and sterilize equipment according to clinical protocols.
• Verify insurance eligibility and assist with prior authorizations when needed.
• Manage patient flow to ensure efficient clinic operations.
• Assist with emergency eye situations as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Management/Leadership Team.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans with great coverage at VERY affordable rates.
• 403b Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Paid Time Off for holidays, vacation, sick & personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement