Lead Optician

Main function

• Dispensing optician is trained to dispense and fit spectacles and other optical aids, working from the prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. Dispensing opticians advise patients on various types of lenses and spectacle frames, including advice on style, weight and color. They also advise patients on how to wear and care for their spectacles and, with further training as contact lens opticians (CLOs), their contact lenses.

Duties and responsibilities

Philosophy

• Supports the facility’s ideology, mission, goals, and objectives
• Integrates ethical provisions in all areas of practice
• Conducts self as a positive role model and team member
• Recognizes patients’ rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job dutie

Communication

• Communicates effectively and professionally with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers
• Interacts with others in a positive, respectful, and considerate manner

Financial practices

• Uses facility resources appropriately and avoids wasteful practices
• Analyzes work area and makes recommendations for potential cost-effective improvements

Compliance program

• Follows State, Federal and accrediting-body regulations
• Complies with established policies and procedures

Performance-improvement program

• Participates in performance-improvement activities
• Supports Optical Manager in tracking improvement activities

Safety/Risk-management program

• Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities
• Complies with adverse incident reporting system
• Reports observed or suspected safety violations, hazards, and policy/procedure noncompliance to Supervisor or Practice Manager

Professional competence

• Participates in facility committees, meetings, and activities
• Participates in continuing education and other learning experiences
• Shares knowledge gained in continuing education with staff
• Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities
• Welcomes suggestions and recommendations
• Adheres to proper dress code  

Duties

• Interpretation of prescriptions written by ophthalmologists and optometrists
• Collection of eye measurements including corneal width and thickness
• Helping clients select eyeglass and lens treatments including tints and coatings
• Creating work orders for lab technicians to ensure delivery of the proper lenses
• Adjusting eyeglasses to ensure a proper fit
• Answers medical questions in a clear and polite manner; reviews clinical charts/computer files as necessary to answer questions
• Repairing broken frames
• Operate special instruments and acquire accurate readings of Lensometry (neutralization of glasses), Pupil evaluation (measurement of pupils)
• Educating clients on proper eyeglass and contact lens care
• Responsible for tracking of orders, prescriptions, and inventory
• Cut lenses, selecting, managing and ordering a range of optical products
• Working with insurance companies to ensure payments are received
• Arranging and maintain shop displays
• Keep accurate product inventory
• Performs other duties as directed

Responsibility for assets

• Responsible for the accurate accumulation of patient information and dispensing accordingly

Qualifications 

• Cooperative work attitude toward co-employees, management, patients, visitors, and physicians
• Ability to promote favorable facility image with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and general public
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems

Education requirements

Required

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Training/courses in medical office activities
• Two or more years’ optical experience
• Language skills adequate for written, interpersonal and telephone communication in American English

Preferred

• Optical experience

Job Quality requirements

• Accuracy
• Attention to detail
• Timeliness
• Organization
• Little supervision needed to accomplish task
• Must be able to travel satellite office

Dependability requirements

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to meet deadlines

Physical/mental requirements

• Ability to stand/sit for long periods
• Visual and auditory acuity for frequent use of computer, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment

Working conditions (environmental)

• Well lit and ventilated, with non-hazardous and hazardous equipment
• Category II: may encounter chemical hazards 

Reports to Practice Manager

Contacts

• Patients
• Patients’ family/significant others
• Physicians and physician office personnel
• Insurance company personnel
• Facility personnel
• Administration