The Optician provides personalized optical services by assisting patients with the selection, ordering, fitting, adjustment, and care of eyewear and other optical products. This position combines technical optical knowledge with exceptional patient service to recommend solutions based on each patient's prescription, visual needs, lifestyle, preferences, and budget. The Optician educates patients on available products and options, performs precise optical measurements, processes and monitors orders, troubleshoots eyewear concerns, and supports the overall operations and performance of the Optical department.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Service & Optical Sales

• Deliver an exceptional patient experience through service excellence, technical expertise, professionalism, and empathy.
• Assist patients in selecting frames, lenses, and other optical products based on prescription requirements, visual needs, lifestyle, preferences, fit, and budget.
• Educate patients regarding lens materials, designs, treatments, coatings, frame options, and other available optical products.
• Recommend appropriate eyewear solutions to support visual performance, comfort, function, appearance, and patient needs.
• Explain product recommendations, costs, vision insurance benefits, warranties, and available options clearly and accurately.
• Apply patient-focused sales techniques to identify needs, recommend appropriate products, and support established Optical department goals.
• Promote appropriate MEC products and services based on individual patient needs. Optical Measurements, Fitting & Technical Services
• Interpret and analyze optical prescriptions and apply appropriate optical principles when recommending and designing eyewear.
• Obtain accurate optical measurements, including pupillary distance, fitting and multifocal segment heights, vertex distance, and other measurements required for proper lens fabrication.
• Design complete eyewear solutions by incorporating prescription requirements, frame characteristics, lens materials and designs, optical principles, and patient needs.
• Verify completed eyewear for prescription accuracy, quality, and applicable optical standards prior to dispensing.
• Fit, adjust, align, and dispense eyewear to provide appropriate comfort, function, and visual performance.
• Perform eyeglass adjustments and repairs and educate patients regarding proper eyewear use and care.
• Troubleshoot concerns related to prescription, vision, fit, comfort, lens design, frame performance, or product quality and determine appropriate resolution.
• Coordinate with providers, laboratories, manufacturers, and other team members when additional evaluation or correction is needed. Orders, Insurance & Inventory
• Accurately enter, process, and monitor eyewear and contact lens orders.
• Order custom lenses and optical products from approved laboratories and vendors and monitor orders through completion.
• Accurately post charges and process applicable vision insurance benefits and claims.
• Order contact lenses according to provider prescriptions and established procedures.
• Assist with purchasing frames and other optical products as assigned.
• Process authorized returns, warranties, remakes, credits, and exchanges according to established procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with receiving, stocking, labeling, and maintaining optical merchandise.
• Maintain organized, attractive, and appropriately stocked frame and product displays. Optical Operations
• Maintain optical instruments, equipment, and hand tools in clean and appropriate working conditions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, professional, and welcoming Optical environment.
• Accurately document patient interactions, orders, payments, insurance information, and other required information in applicable systems.
• Collaborate professionally with providers, clinical teams, PSRs, vendors, and other departments, demonstrating accountability and initiative in supporting coordinated patient care and efficient Optical operations.
• Maintain current knowledge of optical products, lens technology, industry trends, applicable standards, and best practices through training and continuing education.
• Contribute to department goals related to patient experience, quality, sales, and operational performance.
• Follow MEC policies and procedures, manufacturer guidelines, safety requirements, applicable optical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support patients and Optical department operations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, initiative, and a collaborative approach when working with patients, providers, coworkers, vendors, and guests.
• Work collaboratively with the Optical team and other departments to support patient needs and efficient operations. CULTURE
• Contributes to creating an environment oriented to trust, openness, creative thinking, accountability, and cohesive team effort. This includes modeling vulnerable openness vs. withholding or watering down with managers and employees.
• Cultivate self-awareness through encouraging self-reflection and continuous personal development, providing opportunities and resources to do so.
• Develops and maintains professional, support-oriented working relationships with patients, employees, team members, and community partners.
• Lead by example (role model) - behavior consistent with words. Demonstrate a commitment to trust, openness, accountability, and self-awareness in your own actions and decisions.
• Embraces belief that "We are all responsible, and no one is to blame". Address conflicts promptly and constructively, promoting resolutions that reinforce trust and accountability.
• Model and Support iCare standards:

Integrity:

I am honest and strive to conduct myself ethically in all endeavors.

Commitment:

I am committed to excellence; I seek out the best resources and technology to deliver my very best for the benefit of others.

Awareness:

I am aware of my physical appearance, the appearance of the office, my emotional state, and my interactions with co-workers and patients.

Relationships:

I am non-defensive, open, and aware. I ask for and seek feedback to maintain my relationships. I recognize issues with patients or staff, then facilitate resolution.

Empathy:

I listen without judgment, find common ground, and offer help. I validate others' perspectives and connect with them.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to two years of optical, eyewear, or related experience.
• Experience providing direct customer or patient service.

Preferred:

• American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification.
• Previous experience in a medical or vision-care environment.
• Experience with vision insurance plans, optical ordering systems, and electronic health record (EHR) or practice management systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of optical principles, including prescription interpretation, lens materials and designs, frame selection, measurements, fitting, adjustment, troubleshooting, and dispensing.
• Knowledge of ocular anatomy, vision, refractive errors, and terminology applicable to the Optician role.
• Knowledge of applicable optical standards, regulations, and industry practices.
• Strong patient service and sales skills with the ability to identify patient needs and recommend appropriate products and solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in measurements, orders, prescription verification, insurance processing, and documentation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical and product information clearly.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple patients, orders, and priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and appropriately resolve eyewear, order, product, and patient concerns.
• Ability to use optical equipment, hand tools, computer systems, and other technology required for the position.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to receive feedback professionally, apply coaching, and adapt to changes in products, technology, workflows, and departmental needs.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and protect health information in accordance with

HIPAA, MEC

policies, and applicable privacy requirements.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to learn and effectively use EHR, practice management, point-of-sale, vision insurance, optical ordering, and other software systems utilized by MEC.
• Ability to operate and appropriately use optical equipment, instruments, and hand tools required for measurements, adjustments, repairs, and eyewear verification.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology, equipment, and software systems.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and telephone systems.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with patients, providers, coworkers, vendors, and other contacts.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply optical prescriptions, product specifications, insurance information, policies, procedures, and applicable optical standards.
• Ability to clearly explain optical products, recommendations, costs, insurance benefits, and eyewear care to patients in an understandable manner.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required for optical measurements, prescription interpretation, pricing, payments, and insurance benefits.
• Ability to accurately work with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, and units of measurement applicable to optical products and services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Occasional bending, stooping and reaching required.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office business machinery (phone, fax, PC, projector, etc.) While performing the duties, the following will be required:
• Walk 20%
• Sitting 70%
• Standing 10%
• Computer usage 90%
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear
• Frequently is required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and twist
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Must occasionally lift, and/or move light material (<30 lbs)
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is onsite and requires in-person presence to effectively support operations, staff collaboration, and patient service needs.
• Work is performed primarily in an indoor office and healthcare environment.
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and interaction with patients, staff, providers, and leadership.
• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
• Work may occur in shared office spaces and across multiple operational areas.

HAZARDS A

hazard is defined as a potential source of harm or injury. Employees in this role are expected to follow all organizational safety policies, OSHA guidelines, infection prevention protocols, and departmental safety procedures. Potential hazards associated with this position may include:

• Ergonomic risks associated with prolonged sitting, standing, repetitive movements, lifting, and computer use.
• Potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or other potentially infectious materials in healthcare environments.
• Exposure to stressful situations requiring effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

OTHER DUTIES

Medical Eye Center reserves the right to modify this job description at any time as business needs require. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional job-related duties, responsibilities, or assignments as directed by leadership or other authorized individuals.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$19.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person