Optometric Technician

About the position

Optometric Technicians work in conjunction with the doctors to perform activities involving patient care, pre-testing, post-exam duties, specialty testing, and maintain the doctor’s appointment schedule in a manner that delivers a professional, pleasant patient experience. They perform preliminary evaluations of patients prior to exams, assist ODs in caring for patients, instruct patients on medical care, and manage patient records in compliance with policies. The role also involves scheduling appointments, performing diagnostic testing, and ensuring maximum OD utilization through effective communication and follow-up with patients.

Responsibilities

• Performs preliminary evaluation of patients prior to exam by the OD, such as dilation, topicals, diagnostic medications, Optomap, etc.
• Performs verbal interview with patient prior to visit with OD to determine medical issues and reasons for their visit for communication to OD prior to appointment
• Enters patient information in Electronic Health Records (EEHR)
• Assists ODs to care for patients in a timely, effective manner, as close to appointed schedule as possible
• Instructs patients on medical care as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan and schedules follow up appointments as needed
• Discusses Lasik with patients and identifies patients interested in Lasik by reviewing patient information forms
• May be required to schedule referral appointments with Ophthalmologists, Diagnostic follow-up visits, and other specialty referrals, and complete appropriate paperwork
• Records and maintains patient records / files in compliance with company, federal, and state policies (HIPAA)
• Responds to patient’s telephone inquiries regarding medication, treatment, problems referring to the OD as necessary
• Completes proper coding of procedures for payment collection
• May be required to perform diagnostic testing using specialty equipment (OCT, Visual Field, Pachymetry, Retinal Camera, etc.)
• Corresponds with Doctor offices (internal and external) regarding patient and insurance referrals
• Supports the OD with patient education as instructed by the Optometrist
• Documents medical findings and communication between doctor and patient in Electronic Medical Records and assists with clerical duties related to medical documentation (participating practices only)
• Participates in Practice meetings / projects as requested
• Ensures that maximum OD utilization occurs through pre-appointment confirmation, daily appointment confirmation, contacting patients from recall listings, partnership with the manager’s outreach, etc.
• Calls all no-shows or cancelled patients to reschedule appointments
• Performs contact lens insertion and removal classes (I&R) and manages the contact lens trial inventory
• Performs end of day responsibilities to include opti-schedule wrap-up, end of day checklist, etc.
• Makes recommendations for efficiencies, processes, etc. which will deliver either quality, cost savings, and/or profitability improvements within the Practice and/or across the organization
• Performs other duties within the Practice as requested and as time allows

Requirements

• High School or GED qualification
• Entry level PC skills to include MC Office, Windows, and Word Processing
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the team over the individual
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively and professionally collaborate with co-workers and patients

Nice-to-haves

• Experience evaluating patients for eye exams and dispensing eye exam medications
• Familiarity with medical terms associated with eye treatment
• Experience maintaining patients’ records / files per HIPAA regulations
• Industry certification (CPO, CPOA, CPOT) preferred but not required

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/STD/LTD
• Employee Vision Discount Program
• 401(k) with Match
• HSA/FSA
• PTO
• Paid Holidays