Optician

Optician

This position is located at the Tecumseh Health and Wellness Center in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. This department provides general optometry and vision care for the members of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, their immediate dependent family members, members of other federally-recognized AI and AN residing in the tribe's health program catchment area and Medicaid eligible beneficiaries. The optician designs, measures, fits, and adjusts eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. The optician will assist patients in selecting appropriate frames and lens options, take accurate optical measurements, verify the quality and accuracy of finished eyewear, and ensure proper fit and comfort. The Optician plays an essential role in supporting patient vision care. This role may be required to travel to other clinic locations as needed.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Review prescriptions to determine lens type, power, and specifications.
• Guide patients in choosing frames that suit their prescription needs, facial structure, and personal style.
• Measure pupillary distance, segment height, bridge size, and other facial dimensions.
• Explain lens materials, coatings, and treatments based on lifestyle and visual needs.
• Create detailed instructions for optical labs to fabricate lenses accurately.
• Inspect lenses to ensure they meet prescription specifications and quality standards.
• Verify spectacle prescriptions through use of a lens measuring instrument.
• Adjust frames for comfort, alignment, and proper vision placement.
• Replace screws, nose pads, and other components as needed.
• Provide guidance on eyewear care and, when applicable, contact lens handling.
• Document prescriptions, orders, and patient interactions.
• Assist Optometrist in the patient referral process, including maintaining records and systems to ensure appropriate follow up for patient services is completed.
• Complete required patient records, electronic information, data input in a timely manner.
• Maintain currency in all new updates and system requirements.
• Provide support and coordination for the ordering, inventory, and management of program supplies, including the processing of purchase orders (POs) and accounts payable invoice (API) transactions to ensure timely procurement and payment of goods and services.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program and the Billing Office, facilitating communication, addressing billing-related inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring accurate and timely processing of billing matters.
• Assist with routine cleaning needs to provide a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Participate in department and clinic staff meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education Requirements and Qualifications

• Be a High School graduate with work experience in the field of Optometry.
• Previous training and experience in opticianry preferred.
• Experience using optical tools such as lensometers, calipers, and lens gauges.
• Electronic Health Record proficiency required.
• Understand the scope of general eye care services as rendered within the Eye Care Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to communicate effectively with clinic staff and patients to ensure services are provided in a quality manner.
• Take direction and work in a supporting role with the Optometrist.
• Be capable of meeting the physical and mental demands of the position i.e. extended periods of standing; frequent interruptions; long, irregular hours; and the pressures and demand of dealing with ill and injured and their family members.
• Ability to perform precise measurements and handle detailed work.
• Must have a valid Oklahoma Driver's License.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, bend or kneel for long periods of time.
• Sitting or standing or walking for long period of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; talking hearing and visual acuity
• Frequent lifting (up to 15 lbs)
• Occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs)