Optometric Assistant II

Pay Range: $25.00 - $31.88. This position supports eye care services to patients of all ages. This position requires/develops skills as an optometry assistant including optical and imaging duties through on-the-job and self-training modules. Customer service, attention to detail, clear communication and timely documentation are essential for this position.

This is a career ladder position with four levels designed to provide progressively more technical and independent work experiences. Promotion between job levels is based on performance, skill acquisition, required certifications, and the demonstrated ability to successfully handle duties requiring progressively more responsibility.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

• M-F 8-5

• Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing.
• Accurately document in a timely manner.

• Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements.
• Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement.
• Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment.

• Acquires ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography.
• Enters images into medical record for provider review.

• Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients.
• Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork.
• Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals.
• Order and maintain office and medical supplies.

• Always maintain patient confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED
• BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Certified Paraoptometric Certification (CPO) from the American Optometric Association.
• Register as Dispensing Optician Apprentice within 3 months of hire.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.

• 2 years of Medical Assistant or CNA experience can exchange for CPO. CPO required within a year of hire.

• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles.

• Customer service, time management and organization.
• Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation.
• Verbal and written communication.

• Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment.
• Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies.
• Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.

• Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs.

• Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year.

Work Shift:

OT 8/40