- Company Name
- Tohono O'odham Nation
- Job Title
- Optometric Assistant (San Simon Health Center/Sells Hospital)
- Job Description
-
**Job Title**
Optometric Assistant
**Role Summary**
Provide comprehensive technical and administrative support to the Optometry clinic. Manage patient flow, optical dispensing tasks, and ancillary eye testing while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and privacy regulations. Operate across multiple facilities with up to 50% travel contingent on assignment.
**Expectations**
- Directly report to the Chief Optometrist for task assignments and priorities.
- Travel to up to four facilities, maintaining service continuity.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of patient records and adhere to HIPAA requirements.
- Demonstrate CPR certification within 3 months of hire; complete background checks, fingerprinting, and driving record review.
**Key Responsibilities**
1. **Patient & Administrative Services**
- Greet patients, complete registration, verify insurance, and enter demographic data.
- Schedule appointments, manage patient check‑in/out, and coordinate transportation arrangements.
2. **Optical Triage & Dispensing**
- Conduct frame measurements, repairs, and basic optical bench work.
- Verify prescriptions using lensometer, gauge, and related instruments; prepare lab orders.
3. **Clinical Ancillary Tasks**
- Perform visual acuity testing, non‑contact tonometry, and I‑care tonometry.
- Execute visual field, OCT, and retinal photography as directed.
4. **Patient Education & Referral Coordination**
- Explain contact lens use, eye health, and procedural instructions.
- Coordinate referrals to eye care providers.
5. **Supply & Instrument Management**
- Order optical supplies, track inventory, and maintain equipment.
6. **Compliance & Documentation**
- Follow all privacy and data‑security policies.
- Contribute to team efforts and complete other duties as assigned.
**Required Skills**
- Expertise in optometric lens and frame characteristics, measurement tools, and repair techniques.
- Proficient with vision screening devices, visual field instruments, and tonometers.
- Ability to educate patients on basic ocular conditions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, etc.).
- Strong customer service and communication skills, including use of telephone and patient interactions.
- Cultural competency with awareness of local customs and traditions.
- Basic computer skills for scheduling, record entry, and prescription preparation.
- Minimum knowledge of the Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Minimum 1 year of combined optical dispensing and optometric office experience.
- CPR certification (acquired within 3 months of hire).
- Valid driver’s license (clean record) optional; may be required by employer.
- Background check, Federal Investigation fingerprinting, and 39‑month driving history review required.
- Fluency in both English and the local indigenous language may be required depending on staffing needs.