Optometric Assistant at Visionworks of America in New Hartford, NY

Summary:
The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant is primarily responsible for helping ensure a great patient experience by preparing the patient for onsite and/or remote examination, completing pre-exam diagnostic tests, and explaining each step of the process. The Clinical Specialist acts as a liaison between our patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient journey.

Pay Class: Full Time
Pay Rate: $17 to $25.50 per hour

Essential Responsibilities:
1. Completing patient registration, gathering and submitting pertinent patient information including Medical History and Ocular Health data into EMR.
2. Assist onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations. Clearly explain the preliminary testing process to patients, administer each preliminary test and accurately document the results in EMR.
3. For patients with remote appointments, the Clinical Specialist will be required to assist patients through the remote eye exam process including, but not limited to:
a. Pre-testing and specialty testing and accurately documenting results in EMR
b. Initiate remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing
c. Assist remote doctor and remote technician to complete additional testing required for a remote exam
4. After exam completion transition the patient to a retail associate, conveying the recommendations of the doctor to the retail associate.
5. Have a strong understanding of MVC plans and be able to articulate plan benefits to patients.
6. Preauthorize insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
7. In partnership with the retail associates, schedule appointments and manage exam books according to Company guidelines including contacting no shows and cancellations.
8. Maintain patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
9. Answer patients’ clinical questions in person and over the telephone. Triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
10. Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to Company standards.
11. Instruct patients on the insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of their contact lenses.
12. Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock. Notify patients when their contact lenses are available for dispensing.
13. Have a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters. Accurately pull contact lenses trials when requested by the doctor.
14. Ensure a clean and healthy environment for our patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies as well as ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
15. Participate in specialized training of all responsibilities and complete required clinical certification(s).
16. Ability to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands to include traveling to other locations.

Education/Experience:
One (1) year of related experience
Optical or Healthcare background preferred
Medical office/business professionalism required
HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience
Training provided

Behavioral Characteristics:
• Patient advocate
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members
• Very detail orientated and well organized
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other associates and patients
• Work under stress with interruptions and deadlines
• Energetic and self-motivated
• Team player
• Excelling problem solving ability
• Ability to multi-task
• Exhibit empathy in all interactions
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret insurance forms
• Follow procedures and instructions
• Read English
• Operate and enter data into electronic software platforms efficiently and accurately

Essential Responsibilities related to Physical Demands/Work Environment:
• Work changing schedules to meet business demands to include travel between stores
• Work inside store location
• Use computers, electronics tablets, and pre-testing instruments effectively
• Reach above shoulder continuously

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodates may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to handle, feel, pick or pinch, and talk or hear most of the time. The associate is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in this location is moderate (use of computers, printers, and machines).

Activity Amount of Time
None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Stand x
Walk x
Sit x
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel x
Reach with Hands and Arms x
Climb or balance x
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl x
Talk or hear x
Close Vision (clear vision at 20” or less) x

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All Associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. As a component of job roles and responsibilities, Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. As a result, Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Privacy & Security Training Program.

VSP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. As required by changing business needs, complete additional essential responsibilities as identified and assigned.

Union Position Compensation: Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Specific terms are set forth in the Company’s collective bargaining agreement with a minimum pay rate of $17 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $25.50 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.

For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFH)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment.

Compensation range for the roles is listed above. Applicable salary rangers may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses, equity, and commissions.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Unincorporated LA County Residents: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act, and any other similar laws.