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.
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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
Physical Demands
- This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.
