Optometric/Optical Assistant

Valley Health Partners, Community Vision Center - Allentown, PA

The Optometric/ Optical Assistant is a dual-role position responsible for providing exceptional patient support within both the optical and clinical areas. This team member supports patient flow, assists optometrists with clinical operations, helps patients with optical services and eyewear needs, and contributes to an efficient workflow while maintaining an outstanding patient experience.

Work Experience:

• Six months in a vision or medical setting.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.

Licenses & Certifications:

• BLS upon hire.
• ABO, CPOA, CPTO, CMA, preferred.

Needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinic.
• Basic understanding of optical terminology and eyewear components.
• Detail-oriented with accuracy in measurements and billing.
• Ability to learn EHR and optical software systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist Optometrists and Optician 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 visiting 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.
• Coordinate patients’ flow from check-in through clinical care.
• Monitor and manage optometry-related work queues and appointment requests.
• Support accurate scheduling for optometry, pediatric vision, and specialty visits.
• Assist with referral management, patient outreach, and follow-up.
• Identify workflow gaps and collaborate with leadership on process improvements.
• Assist patients with optical services, including frame selection, lens options, and basic eyewear education.
• Support optical operations by coordinating eyewear orders, tracking deliveries, and communicating status updates to patients.
• Perform basic optical measurements and assist with adjustments, fittings, and minor repairs of eyeglasses as appropriate.
• Maintain organization and inventory of optical supplies, frames, and patient eyewear orders.
• Collaborate with the optical and clinical teams to ensure a seamless patient experience between exam, optical selection, and checkout processes.
• Educate patients regarding eyewear care, lens options, and recommended optical products based on provider recommendations.
• Support workflow coverage between optical and clinical areas based on operational needs and patient volume.

• 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