Optometric Technician

About Company:

As one of the largest primary care practices in Southwest Georgia, Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC) provides health care services to more than 54,000  patients and nearly 217,000 office visits per year. AAPHC is also one of the largest Community Health Centers in our region!  To learn more about Community Health Centers, and how this benefits Southwest Georgia.

At AAPHC, we strive to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care to all who access our services. Did you know that all qualifying medical offices operated by AAPHC are recognized as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? NCQA offers three levels of PCMH recognition with Level III being the highest level.  As a Level III PCMH, AAPHC is committed to continuously raising the quality of care within our practices, while also lowering our patients health care costs.

Our health care teams are comprised of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives. Assisting these providers are clinical staff members, laboratory personnel, and business office professionals.  

Our goal is to always provide access, and even expand access, to your provider so you always can reach AAPHC when you need us most!  When you visit an AAPHC office, you can trust that you'll be well cared for by our team.  Always.

About the Role:

The Optometric Technician plays a vital role in supporting optometrists by performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks that ensure efficient patient care within an eye care practice. This position involves preparing patients for eye examinations, conducting preliminary tests, and assisting with diagnostic procedures to help identify vision problems and eye diseases. The technician acts as a liaison between patients and optometrists, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience throughout the visit. Additionally, the role requires maintaining accurate patient records, managing equipment, and adhering to health and safety protocols. Ultimately, the Optometric Technician contributes to the delivery of high-quality eye care services that improve patients' vision health and overall well-being.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a formal optometric technician training program or relevant clinical experience.
• Basic knowledge of eye anatomy, vision testing procedures, and optometric equipment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as an Optometric Technician (e.g., Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) or equivalent).
• Experience working in a clinical or optometry office setting.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and practice management software.
• Additional training in contact lens fitting and care.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare patients for eye examinations by recording medical histories and measuring visual acuity.
• Perform preliminary diagnostic tests such as visual field assessments, retinal imaging, and tonometry.
• Assist optometrists during eye exams by handling instruments and explaining procedures to patients.
• Maintain and calibrate optometric equipment to ensure accuracy and safety.
• Manage patient records, schedule appointments, and handle billing and insurance documentation.
• Educate patients on proper contact lens care and usage as directed by the optometrist.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and privacy regulations within the clinical environment.

Skills:

The Optometric Technician utilizes strong communication skills daily to explain procedures and provide patient comfort, ensuring a positive clinical experience. Technical skills are essential for accurately performing diagnostic tests and operating specialized optometric equipment, which directly support the optometrist's diagnostic process. Organizational skills are applied in managing patient records, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations, contributing to the smooth operation of the practice. Problem-solving abilities help the technician address equipment issues and adapt to varying patient needs efficiently. Additionally, proficiency with electronic health record systems enhances data accuracy and streamlines administrative tasks, improving overall patient care delivery.