Overview:
The Optician is a friendly, engaging, and essential member of the NVDO team, dedicated to making every patient feel welcome and cared for. You’ll combine technical expertise with a kind, approachable manner to help patients select, fit, and adjust eyeglasses. Opticians use in-depth knowledge of optical products to educate patients about their options, ensuring they receive personalized care that meets both their vision needs and style preferences. With a commitment to clear communication and timely service, you'll process orders efficiently, manage insurance and payments with accuracy, and build long-term relationships that foster repeat business.
Our goal is to create an inviting environment where each patient feels like part of our extended family, and where excellent optical care is delivered with genuine kindness and a smile.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Service and Patient Education:
- Deliver exceptional, friendly service that puts each patient at ease from the moment they enter the office.
- Greet patients warmly with a friendly attitude and good eye contact, guiding them through the selection, fitting, and adjustment processes with patience and empathy.
- Educate patients on proper eyewear care—including cleaning, maintenance, and adapting to new prescriptions or contact lenses—to ensure they fully understand their options and responsibilities.
- Communicate technical details and insurance coverage in a clear, approachable manner, using plain language to ensure every patient feels informed, confident, and valued.
- Accurately process orders, insurance claims, and payments using established systems to ensure correct billing for eyewear. Assist patients in understanding their financial responsibilities.
- Offer support for any concerns or follow-up adjustments, working towards building long-term relationships with clients for repeat business.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills by actively listening to customer concerns, assessing their needs, and delivering effective, personalized solutions.
- Assist with front desk duties when needed, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and processing payments to enhance the overall customer experience.
Frame and Lens Consultation:
- Recommend specific lenses, coatings, and frames based on clients’ optical prescriptions, lifestyle, and budget needs.
- Review the patient’s vision coverage in detail to help them maximize their benefits, including potential eligibility for a second pair, computer glasses, or discounts on additional eyewear such as prescription sunglasses.
- Assist patients in selecting frames that best complement their facial features, ensuring both comfort and style.
- Review the patient’s prescription prior to frame selection to recommend the most suitable options based on lens strength and visual needs—after all, we are the experts!• Ensure proper frame alignment by centering the lenses as accurately as possible, securing a snug bridge fit, and selecting the correct temple length for optimal comfort and functionality.
- Provide clear, easy-to-understand product information and recommend upgrades or additional options—such as lens coatings or prescription sunglasses—to enhance the patient’s vision and overall eyewear experience. Always communicate in simple, straightforward language!
Precision Measurements & Order Processing:
- Take precise measurements for each frame selected to ensure optimal vision and fit, including pupillary distance, segment height, optical center height, vertex distance, and base curve.
- Analyze and verify prescriptions and measurements, including lensometry, to ensure accuracy and compliance with ANSI standards.
- Prepare detailed work orders and instructions for optical labs, ensuring that all specifications for lens grinding and frame adjustments are clear and accurate.
- Monitor the order process by reviewing the status of each order daily, as directed by the lead optician, to ensure timely processing and delivery. Keep customers informed of their order status, promptly communicating any delays to maintain transparency and excellent service.
- Check Eyefinity Encompass software daily to identify and resolve any orders on hold, ensuring timely processing and delivery.
Eyeglass Adjustments, Repairs, and Customization:
- Heat, shape, or bend frames to customize the fit for each patient.
- Perform repairs on damaged eyewear, such as adjusting screws, replacing nosepads, or fixing hinges.
- Conduct quality checks on completed orders to ensure products meet standards before delivery.
Inventory & Store Maintenance:
- Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records for frames, accessories, and optical supplies, ensuring stock levels are adequate for daily operations. Reorder items as needed to prevent shortages and maintain seamless workflow.
- Receive and inspect product deliveries for quality and accuracy, resolving any discrepancies promptly.
- Ensure that orders and trays are processed promptly and cleared from the dispensing area to keep the space organized and efficient. Replace any worn-out tray labels to maintain readability.
- Keep the retail area clean, well-organized, and visually appealing at all times by setting up product displays and window arrangements.
- Support loss prevention efforts by ensuring that security protocols (such as frame locks and secure display cases) are locked and in place.
- Keep frames neatly arranged and spotless, ensuring they are free of fingerprints• Maintain a clean, well-organized lab area at all times.
Additional Duties:
- Stay current with trends in eyewear fashion and advances in ophthalmic technology through ongoing education and training.
- Report any issues, including product discrepancies, theft, or equipment problems, to management immediately.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Certification by the American Board of Opticianry is highly desirable.
Previous experience as an optician, optical assistant, or in a related optical/retail environment is preferred.
Strong knowledge of eye anatomy, optical prescriptions, lens coatings, and frame materials.
Proficiency with optical measurement tools and a demonstrated ability to achieve precise measurements.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a genuine passion for providing warm, friendly, and empathetic customer service.
Demonstrates professionalism through consistent punctuality, reliable attendance, and a polished appearance, creating a welcoming and positive patient environment.
Basic computer literacy, with familiarity in point-of-sale systems and electronic health records being a plus.
Exceptional visual acuity and manual dexterity for fine adjustments and repairs.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings if needed.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment while providing support and encouragement to colleagues.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand for long periods and move around the store.
Manual dexterity to perform precise adjustments and repairs on eyewear.
Capability to lift moderate weights, such as boxes of inventory, as required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently hold optician certification i.e. ABO?
- Have you worked as an optician in an eye care practice in the last three (3) years?
Work Location: In person
