Licensed Dispensing Optician

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

UHC Minimum:
*Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate.
*Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Licensed Dispensing Optician.
*Must be certified by both the American Board of Opticianry ( ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners ( NCLE).

UHC Preferred:
*Experience in a Student Health Care environment.
*Associate degree in Opticianry from an accredited college or university preferred.
*Certified Ophthalmic Assistant ( COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician ( COT) preferred.
*Five (5) years' experience as a Licensed Dispensing Optician.

This is a position with responsibilities pertaining to the clinical operation of the Vision Clinic. The Licensed Dispensing Optician extends a high level of patient satisfaction and provides direct customer assistance and service. The Licensed Dispensing Optician fits, orders and dispenses eyewear, contact lenses, and other optical goods, as well as oversees eyewear fabrication and lab equipment operation and maintenance.

Lift and move heavy objects (up to 40 lbs.). Lift, stoop, bend, and perform a variety of tasks utilizing manual dexterity. Stand for long periods of time (4-8 hours). See small objects clearly and differentiate color. Hear and transcribe phone orders. Operate all necessary equipment. Perform fine motor skills.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Fitting, Ordering and Dispensing Eyewear and/or Contact Lenses:
* Educate patients on proper frame fit and lens selections that suit their lifestyle and prescription requirements.
* Measure for frame size, pupillary distance, ocular height, and segment height, fit contact lenses, perform insertion and removal instruction for new wearers, identify solution needs and make recommendations.
* Understand lens material and patient prescription compatibility and make recommendations as needed.
* Utilize product knowledge to determine the best manufacturing process for routine and special orders to produce top quality eyewear.
* Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to obtain the best visual outcome for each patient.

Technical Duties: Fabricating lenses and Lab Equipment Maintenance
* Perform frame adjustments, frame repairs, assist with frame warranty issues, contact lens insertion and removal, contact lens care, and contact lenses polishing.
* Aid Patient Care Coordinator, Patient Care Assistant, Clinicians, Ophthalmic Technicians and Vision Clinic Manager with any tasks that may arise.
* Inform Vision Clinic Manager of potential safety hazards and adhere to all UHC and UGA policies and procedures.
* Select lenses, use lensmeter to determine lens lay out, edge lenses, tint and UV coat, groove, polish, drill, mount, and complete final inspection of eyewear.
* Show initiative in keeping the laboratory clean, neat, and organized.
* Maintain neat and orderly job tracking system.
* Responsible for basic cleaning and ongoing maintenance of laboratory tools and equipment, using established Quality Production and Inspection Program maintenance procedures and calendars.

Patient Care & Patient Flow:
* Communicate with patient care teams on a continual basis throughout the day.
* Maintaining timeliness with patient interactions as well as other duties.
* Ensuring that our patients receive courteous and prompt service and that all patient needs are met before each patient leaves the clinic.

Inventory Management:
* Track and restock frames, contact lenses and ophthalmic accessories.
* Order and maintain an inventory of stock ophthalmic finished lenses.
* Transmit orders to vendors as needed.
* Keep equipment, displays and inventory clean, attractive, and organized.

Medical Chart Documentation
* Ensure that all patient charts are properly documented with necessary, complete and accurate details within the electronic medical record.
* Follow up to ensure that referrals are completed and any patients with medical problems are handled appropriately.
* Notify patients when eyewear orders are ready for dispensing.
* Enter patient prescriptions and order information accurately and in a timely manner.
* Transmit order to laboratory.
* Perform work accurately and thoroughly despite time pressure and patient volume.
* Enter stock lens inventory into computer system and track ordering needs for optical lenses and laboratory supplies.
* Track all laboratory orders that have not arrived.
* Calls patients to inform them that eyewear is ready for dispense.
* Follows UHC and UGA security procedures regarding security codes and HIPAA.