Optician

POSITION SUMMARY:  An optician is an eyewear consultant, educating patients on doctor recommendations that will give them the best possible vision.  The eyewear consultant not only advises patients on the best lens options for their prescription, but also creates a fun shopping environment through the selection of fashionable eyewear. The ability to communicate and build long lasting relationships is an important skill required for this position. In addition, the eyewear consultant creates and maintains displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical retail areas.  This position utilizes both administrative and creative design skills.  The administrative skills needed are calculating co-pays based on insurance eligibility and preparing work orders for the optical lab.

LOCATION:  Grand Island, Nebraska

Work Schedule:  Friday's off by 2 PM  and no Saturdays

Competitive salary based on experience  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist patients in the selection process of spectacles, providing education on quality choices, lens selection, and frame styling to fit their lifestyle and prescription.
• Calculate insurance co-pay based on insurance eligibility.
• Accurately enter spectacle orders; ensure timely delivery by monitoring status on a daily basis.
• Receive spectacle orders into system, verify order, notify patients, and schedule dispensing.
• Contact patients for follow up on progress of adapting to dispensed eyewear and prescribed contacts.
• Perform adjustments and repairs when necessary.
• Troubleshoot patient concerns with eyewear when necessary.
• Maintain inventory pertaining to all aspects of the optical retail area, including lab supplies. Report inventory as required.
• Maintain displays of optical merchandise.
• Monitor patient flow throughout the office, properly communicating delays.
• Perform other duties and assume various responsibilities as determined by the office manager or team lead, and doctor(s).

SUPPLEMENTARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Depending upon the patient volume and/or patient flow demands, you may be required to perform the following tasks. 

• Assist with patient preliminary testing as required.
• Dispense contact lenses and perform contact lens progress checks.
• Assist with answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, and effectively maintaining appointments books for doctors, as well as assist in completing “recalls.”
• Assist with check out and collection of monies due by patient.
• Identify areas which require additional reinforcement through education or consultation.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• EXPERIENCE OPTICIAN PREFERRED 
• Sales/retail experience is preferred.
• Previous optician experience is a plus.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional customer service abilities
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Proven sales strategies
• Ability to obtain knowledge and skills on the job or through educational courses
• Ability to lead, motivate and promote a team environment
• Proactive, adaptable, with the ability to work under pressure to accomplish projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT (per ADA guidelines):

• Physical Activity: Talking, Hearing.
• Physical requirements: Sedentary work. Involves sitting most of the time.
• The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Staff members are required to meet training expectations within the initial 90-day probationary period.
• Obtaining certification through an optometric certification program is encouraged. Unity will aid all employees eligible for the Employee Career Development Program.