Optometric Assistant

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job (as skills acquire) 

Optometry Assistant 

• Room and screen patients for the providers, perform optical and point of care lab testing. 

• Accurately document in a timely manner. 

Optical 

• Assist patients with optical orders: optical benefits verification, frame selection, measurements, order entry, payment collection, order verification, dispensing (glasses and contacts) in-person or by mail, adjustments, repairs, and warranty replacements. 

• Assist with inventory management: ordering, cleaning, returns and frame placement. 

• Assist with approval and reconciliation of invoices for timely payment. 

Imaging 

• Acquires ocular imaging: photos, ocular coherence tomography, visual fields, topography. 

• Enters images into medical record for provider review. 

Administrative Support 

• Assist with triage, tracking and scheduling of referred, recalled or diabetic patients.  

• Assist with phones, directing/answering patient questions and paperwork.  

• Work with Referral Care Coordinators, providers and/or clinics to facilitate patient referrals. 

• Order and maintain office and medical supplies. 

Other Functions 

• Always maintain patient confidentiality. 

• Work collaboratively to meet the needs of the patients and organizational goals. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required 

• High School Diploma or GED  

• BLS at hire or must obtain within 3 months of hire. 

• Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) from the American Optometric Association AND/OR Alaska Dispensing Optician License. 

• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

Knowledge of 

• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology. 

• Knowledge and demonstrated use of customer service principles. 

• Knowledge and demonstrated use of safety and infection control principles. 

Skills in 

• Customer service, time management and organization. 

• Computer use with a high degree of accuracy and detail orientation. 

• Verbal and written communication. 

Ability to 

• Ability to multi-task and work independently in fast paced environment. 

• Ability to learn and maintain optometry assistant competencies. 

• Ability to problem-solve and use conflict resolution skills to develop and maintain good working relations with other staff and departments.

Other Qualifications

• Fine detail manual dexterity with precision for eyeglass repairs. 

Travel Required

• Required to accompany optometrist on field trips, 3-6 weeks/year. 

Position Information:

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!