Job Description

The Optical Technician assists optometrists in delivering exceptional eye care services to vision patients at Oak Orchard Health by recording comprehensive ocular and medical history including the patient’s chief complaint, current medications and allergies, as well as record visual acuities (V/A’s), color vision and stereopsis testing. This position is also responsible for assisting the Optometrist in performing vision screenings and exams in the field and in the office; including packing and transporting equipment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring that monthly inventory is performed, expiration date check of exam medications, contact lens solutions, and OTC medications.
• Discards any and all items that are about to expire in accordance with regulations.
• Responsible for keeping exam rooms stocked. Including bulbs and post mydriatic spectacles supplies and equipment.
• Operates Humphrey Visual Field machine as directed by Optometrist.
• Takes Fundus Photos as directed by Optometrist
• Carries out patient contact lens insertion and removal classes (Soft) and (RGP)
• Contact lens trials dispensing as directed by Optometrist
• Preload pertinent data into ECW system prior to appointment.
• Ensures that Optometry patients are booked correctly and appropriately, including knowledge of optical insurance benefits, and informing Optometry patients of expected payment of services and fees prior to appointment.
• Notifies and logs Optometric no shows in ECW, sends out no show letters.
• Phones urgent/follow up missed appointments and reschedules. Notifies Optometrist via TE of reschedule or failure to reschedule and requests follow up direction from Optometrist
• Able to interpret exam medical terminology, and read exam documents.
• Serves as liaison between Optometrist, Patient, in-house Staff, and outside Medical personnel, and relay pt specific questions and messages, confers with Optometrist and relays the reply back to the patient.
• Effectively and efficiently manages the patient recall system for Optometry patients.
• Manages recall Billing Alerts in eCW
• Serves as primary liaison between Optometrist, in-house clinical staff, external providers and clinical personnel.
• Trains new hires in accordance with office operations, processes and protocols with primary focus on Optometry Assistant/Tech role.
• Provides leadership and direction in role of Optometry Assistant/Tech staff in accordance with office operations, processes and protocols.
• Guiding patients in frame selection in accordance with insurance guidelines.
• Logs mail return status in ECW when appropriate
• Logs contact lens information (expiration date, lot number, dispense date) at time of contact lens/ contact lens solution dispense
• Verifies if eyewear is in when patients call requesting information, and schedules dispensing appointments as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service education, and performs other duties as requested.
• Any other reasonable requests from management.

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications:

• Appropriate use of ECW system, including knowledge of the routing of data including (but not limited to) patient communications captured via TE, use of message system, documents and fax, and referral process.
• Cross-trained to schedule appointments, register patients and verify insurance.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior medical office experience preferred.
• Prior experience with electronic health record system