Refractionist / Optometric Assistant – Exam Lane Specialist
Location: Brooksville, Florida
Employment Type: Part-Time (Full-Time may be considered based on availability)
Department: Clinical Operations
Reports To: Optometrist / Regional Operations Specialist/Manager
Compensation: $25 per hour (based on experience)
Job Summary
The Refractionist / Optometric Assistant plays a critical role in the exam lane by performing accurate and efficient refractions, completing pre-testing, and supporting the doctor throughout the patient exam process. This position is responsible for ensuring a smooth patient flow, maintaining high clinical standards, and enhancing the overall patient experience. This role is highly focused on clinical execution in the exam lane, including refractive accuracy, documentation, and real-time support to the optometrist.
Key Responsibilities (Exam Lane Focus)
Manifest Refraction (Core Responsibility)
- Perform accurate manual manifest refractions to determine patients’ visual prescriptions
- Refine sphere, cylinder, and axis with attention to visual acuity and patient comfort
- Identify and escalate abnormal or inconsistent findings to the doctor
- Ensure refraction results are exam-ready and efficient for doctor review
Clinical Exam Execution, Documentation & Optometric Workup
- Conduct a complete clinical workup review prior to the provider exam, ensuring all patient information is accurate, complete, and properly documented in the EHR.
- Obtain, verify, and document a thorough patient health history, including:
- Chief complaint and visual symptoms
- Ocular history (disease, trauma, surgeries)
- Medical history and systemic conditions
- Current medications and allergies
- Identify and clearly document pertinent positives and risk factors, including any symptoms requiring urgent attention (e.g., flashes, floaters, reduced vision, pain)
- Complete and document all pre-exam clinical findings in a structured and compliant format to support a comprehensive eye examination
- Perform and document all required supporting clinical assessments, including:
- Pupil evaluation (PERRLA observations)
- Extraocular motility observations
- Confrontation visual fields (screening)
- Basic binocular vision or color vision screening (as applicable)
- Ensure proper patient positioning and readiness for slit lamp examination, maintaining accuracy and consistency in exam setup and workflow
- Document all anterior segment findings as observed or indicated during the exam process, including but not limited to:
- Lids/lashes
- Conjunctiva/sclera
- Cornea
- Anterior chamber
- Iris
- Lens
- Document all posterior segment findings as obtained through imaging or exam data, including:
- Optic nerve appearance
- Macula
- Retinal vessels
- Peripheral retina (when applicable based on available imaging or exam data)
- Ensure all anterior and posterior findings are:
- Accurately recorded in the EHR
- Organized in a clear and reviewable format
- Complete to support a comprehensive optometric examination consistent with standard of care guidelines
- Maintain real-time, detailed clinical documentation throughout the exam process, ensuring:
- No missing or incomplete data fields
- Clear handoff of information for provider evaluation
- Documentation supports coding, compliance, and continuity of care
- Communicate and reinforce exam instructions and next steps to the patient based on the documented care plan, ensuring patient understanding
- Ensure the exam lane is fully prepared for a complete and efficient provider exam, with all testing, history, and documentation completed prior to provider entry
Pre-Testing & Diagnostic Workup
- Perform and document all required preliminary testing, including:
- Autorefraction
- Lensometry (current Rx verification)
- Tonometry (IOP measurement)
- Visual acuity testing
- OCT, fundus imaging, or other diagnostic scans (as applicable)
- Ensure all testing is completed prior to doctor entering the room
- Maintain calibration and proper use of all diagnostic equipment
Patient Intake & Clinical Documentation
- Obtain and accurately document: Chief complaint, Ocular history, Medical history and medications.
- Enter all information into the EHR in a clear, structured, and compliant format.
- Prepare the chart so the doctor can immediately begin the exam without delays.
Scribing & Real-Time Doctor Support
- Act as a scribe during the exam, documenting: Clinical findings, Diagnoses, Treatment plans and Prescriptions and follow-ups
- Anticipate Doctor needs during the exam and assist accordingly
- Maintain accurate, real-time charting to improve exam efficiency and throughput
Contact Lens Support
- Assist with: Contact lens insertion and removal training, Trial lens dispensing and Patient education on wear and care
- Reinforce Doctor instructions and ensure patient understanding
Exam Lane Flow & Efficiency
- Manage patient flow to ensure: Timely movement from pre-test, exam to checkout. Maintaining minimal wait times and High daily exam capacity without compromising quality
- Keep exam rooms clean, organized, and fully stocked
- Reset lane efficiently between patients
Performance Expectations
- High accuracy in refractions and documentation
- Ability to support high-volume exam environments
- Maintain efficient patient throughput while preserving patient experience
- Strong attention to clinical detail and compliance standards
- Effective communication with Doctor and front-of-house team
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience in an optometry or ophthalmology setting (preferred)
- Any of the following certifications: CPO, CPOA, CPOT, COA, COT.
- Strong understanding of:
- Refraction techniques
- Basic ocular terminology
- Clinical workflow in an exam lane
- Ability to operate diagnostic equipment (training can be provided)
- Proficiency with EHR systems (CompulinkEHR, RevolutionEHR or similar preferred)
Preferred Skills
- Detail-oriented and clinically precise
- Efficient and able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal and patient communication skills
- Team-oriented with a proactive mindset
- Ability to multitask and prioritize during high patient volume
Work Environment
- Fast-paced clinical setting within a retail sublease location
- Frequent patient interaction throughout the day
- Standing and moving between exam rooms required
Global Care Optometry thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.
Global Care Optometry is an equal opportunity employer. At Global Care Optometry, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
