Job Summary
Optometric Technician

Overview

The Optometric Technician is an essential member of our clinical team, dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care and ensuring the smooth operation of our optometry practice. This role involves performing a range of diagnostic tests, managing patient records, maintaining equipment, and providing exceptional patient education.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, efficient with modern computer systems and electronic medical records (EMRs), and experienced in working in a fast-paced clinical environment.

This comprehensive position is designed to support both clinical and administrative functions, supporting doctors and staff in delivering excellent patient-centered care while maintaining the highest standards of our practice.

Key Responsibilities

Chart Preparation: Prepare and update patient charts in advance, ensuring all relevant medical and ocular history, manifest refractions, prescriptions, and diagnostic notes are accurately transferred and organized. Acquire necessary medical records by communicating with other healthcare professionals via telephone, email, or fax.

Patient Intake, Preliminary & Diagnostic Testing:

- Greet patients and obtain accurate chief complaints, HPI and medical history, including: patient medical and ocular history, family ocular history, pharmacy information, current medications, allergies, and review of systems.

- Prepare patients for examinations by explaining procedures in a clear, empathetic manner, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed before, during, and after tests.

- Perform routine preliminary tests including auto-refraction, visual field screening (e.g., FDT), non-contact tonometry and/or iCare, auto-lensometry, blood pressure, Optos imaging and visual acuity measurements.

- Ensure accurate glasses and/or contact lens information has been obtained and entered properly into the system.

- Conduct specialized diagnostic tests as needed, such as Randot stereopsis, Ishihara color vision, Farnsworth D-15 color vision, Humphrey Visual Field, Virtual Visual Field, Zeiss OCT scans, topography, axial length measurements, external photography and RightEye.

- Administer eye drops and provide other preparatory measures as required, providing step-by-step guidance to alleviate any patient concerns.

Contact Lens Fitting & Education:

- A strong understanding of general medical and optometric terminology is necessary to accurately document patient histories and diagnostic results.

- Assist with contact lens fittings by guiding patients on the proper insertion, removal, and care techniques, and answering any questions to ensure optimal comfort and safety.

- Place contact lens orders for patients and promptly notify them when their order arrives, if shipped to the office.

- Demonstrate proper handling, care, and cleaning protocols for specialty contact lenses, including gas permeable and scleral lenses.

Equipment & Inventory Management:

- Maintain and clean all examination rooms and testing equipment between each patient, as well as at the beginning and end of each day.

- Stock exam rooms with necessary supplies (drops, solutions, tissues, alcohol wipes, contact lens cases) and notify management when inventory levels are low.

- Perform monthly inventory checks of clinical supplies and place orders as needed to maintain appropriate stock levels.

- Conduct routine equipment maintenance to ensure optimal functionality and compliance with safety standards.

Administrative & Communication Duties:

- Process and complete prior authorization requests for patient medications, and communicate with doctors regarding prescription refills and changes in patient care.

- Assist with scheduling consultations, referrals, and post-operative visits, ensuring seamless patient flow throughout the practice.

- Collaborate with front desk staff to manage appointment scheduling, patient follow-ups, and other related administrative tasks.

- Maintain a strong understanding of office procedures and protocols, ensuring both clinical and administrative tasks are performed efficiently.

Qualifications & Skills

- High school diploma required;

- post-secondary coursework or certifications in optometric technology or optometric assisting are desired.

- Prior experience in an optometry or medical setting is preferred.

- Proficiency with computer systems, EMRs, billing systems, and practice management software.

- Strong understanding of general medical and optometric terminology, with a basic knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology.

- Demonstrates professionalism through consistent punctuality, reliable attendance, and a polished appearance, creating a welcoming and positive patient environment.

- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.

- Strong customer service skills are essential for success in this role. This includes patience, a calming and reassuring presence, active listening, and clear communication to create a positive and supportive experience for every patient.

- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and to problem-solve under pressure.

- Attention to detail and accuracy in performing diagnostic tests and recording patient information.

- Bilingual skills are helpful.

Working Conditions

- This role requires frequent interaction with patients, prolonged periods of standing, and the ability to work in a dynamic clinical setting.

- Flexibility and the capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously are essential.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Have you been an optometric technician at another practice previously?
Do you have previous experience at an eye care practice?

Work Location: In person

NORTHERN VIRGINIA DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY

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