Eye Clinic Assistant

Job Title:                    Eye Clinic Assistant

Job Code:                   EYECLAST                                       

Department:              Eye Clinic

Division:                     Operations

Salary Level:             Non-Exempt 4            

Reports to:                 Eye Clinic Manager

Last Revised:             November 2022                                  

Primary Function

This position is located within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Eye Clinic. The primary function of this position is to sell optical products and services by assisting customers with purchasing decisions, measuring, adjusting and repairing frames and lenses. Also will be responsible for completing eyewear/contact lens orders, requesting, reviewing and processing insurance and collecting payments for doctor services under the direct supervision of the Eye Clinic Practice Manager.  The position demands a significant degree of personal responsibility to make decisions and to work independently.  

Secondary Function

Provides technical assistance to the optometrist when needed in the clinic.   The position demands a significant degree of personal responsibility to make decisions and to work independently.   

Job Description

• Provides customer service by acknowledging the customer/patient, identifying their needs, assisting with purchasing decisions, locating merchandise, resolving customer issues and concerns, and promoting products and services, while maintaining a safe work environment.
• Must be able to troubleshoot situations pertaining to patients optical service needs (repairs, adjustments, etc.).
• Educates and creates awareness of the importance of eye health care. For example, follows safety requirements and related laws and regulations (NC Board of Optometry, NC Board of Opticianry, OSHA, HIPAA, etc.) when assisting with or providing optical products and services.
• Stays current on products and their features, advantages, and benefits.
• Maintains the optical area in accordance with CIHA policies and procedures.  
• Maintains merchandise presentation in the optical area by stocking and rotating merchandise, removing damaged or out of date goods, setting up, cleaning and organizing merchandise/supplies.
• Operates equipment, such as cash registers and related tools, to process customer/patient purchases using appropriate procedures for different payment

types and items sold.

•  Receives patients, performs a screening to include: case history, visual acuity, confrontation fields, inter-pupillary distance measurements, and neutralization of the patients’ glasses.  
• Prepares patients for examination.  
• Assists optometrist in examination as required.  
• Provides interpretation services as needed.  
• Performs other tests as requested by the optometrist, including but not limited to depth perception, near-point convergence, keratometry, Pachymetry, auto-refraction, tonometry and color vision.  
• Performs blood glucose and blood pressure measurements as requested.  
• Instills topical medications as instructed.  

• Performs other duties as requested from the Eye Clinic Practice Manager.

Job Knowledge

• Requires the ability to operate a computer, lens meter, pupilometer, various equipment associated with an eye clinic, and related office equipment.
• Must be able to count negative and positive whole numbers, fractions and decimals; add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Requires knowledge of various software packages: i.e. Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Must have experience in applying various policies and procedures in the performance of assigned duties.
• Must be able to maintain specified records, files, and logs of the department.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Requires the ability to work independently or as a member of a team. Valid NCDL required.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D and previous experience working in an eye clinic of at least 6-9 months is required.
• Six months on the job would be necessary to become proficient in most phases of the work.

Contacts with Others

Primary contact is with patients for the purpose of fitting, adjusting and measuring of optical merchandise. Secondary contacts include, but not limited to primary care providers, medical records staff, pharmacy staff, billing office staff, and contract health staff. All contacts require tact, courtesy, and professional decorum.

Confidential Data

Will have access to confidential patient information and medical computer records related to patient visits which are confidential and should not be disclosed. Must adhere to all CIHA confidentiality policies and procedures.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Responsible for accuracy of demographic and insurance information obtained and entered into optical software or RPMS. Errors can be detected through interview techniques and subsequent interviews with patients. Must be accurate with measurements and data entry of optical customer orders as well as supply orders.

Mental/Visual/Physical

The level of concentration varies with tasks, with close attention to detail required while entering data and verifying accuracy of information. Duties of this position require the employee to hear, see and to be mobile; reaches overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling and stooping. Grasps, turns and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. Moves, lifts, carries and places merchandise and supplies weighing less than 10 pounds without assistance.  Visually verifies information, often in small print. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods.  Position is subject to frequent interruptions, requiring varied responses. Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and meet deadlines and time frames.

Resourcefulness and Initiative

Follows well defined procedures with initiative and judgment required maintaining accuracy and complete tasks in a timely fashion. Must work well in a fast-paced environment.

Environment

Majority of work is performed within a retail setting, as well as hospital environment requiring interaction throughout the hospital. Occasional travel is required. Immunizations are required of all employees.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.