Optometric Technician

The Department of Ophthalmology

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Optometric Technician to join our team. This role is essential in assisting patients with eyewear selection, fitting, and adjustments while ensuring quality care and exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a passion for patient care, and the ability to manage inventory and financial transactions effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

* Assist patients in selecting eyewear that meets their vision needs and personal style.
* Measure, fit, adapt, adjust, and repair patient eyewear for optimal comfort and functionality.
* Manufacture lenses in the on-site finishing lab as needed.
* Guide patients through contact lens insertion, removal, cleaning, and care instructions.
* Fit, dispense, clean, and sterilize contact lenses.
* Prepare and submit work orders to the laboratory for lens and eyewear processing.
* Verify the quality, specifications, and measurements of eyewear materials received from the lab.
* Maintain an accurate inventory of eyewear, accessories, contact lenses, and optical devices.
* Keep records of patient prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
* Counsel patients on third-party insurance coverage, including patient responsibilities and filing requirements.
* Prepare patient bills, process payments, and input charges into the computer system.
* Maintain patient records in the database and physical files.
* Work with frame manufacturer representatives to select and purchase appropriate frames for the patient population.
* Negotiate favorable pricing for lab and frame products and services.
* Reconcile supplier statements for purchases made.
* Assist in establishing retail pricing for eyewear products and accessories.
* Track inventory and sales to ensure optimal stock levels.
Qualifications & Skills:
* Experience in an optometric or healthcare setting is preferred but not required.
* Strong customer service and communication skills.
* Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
* Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
* Basic computer proficiency for record-keeping and billing.
* Ability to collaborate with vendors and negotiate pricing.
* Knowledge of eyewear trends, materials, and optical devices is a plus.
If you are passionate about eye care and enjoy working in a patient-focused environment, we encourage you to apply!

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm

A High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired, is necessary.

Hiring Range: $14-$21.60
Grade: PAT-3A
University Title: OPTOMETRIC TECHNICIAN
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.