Optician

Updated: Apr 12, 2024
Location: Irvine-Campus
Job Type:
Department: Ophth Clinical

Job Opening ID: 67622
Reports To: Optical Shop Supervisor
Working Title: OPTICIAN
Department: Ophth Clinical
Bargaining Unit: EX
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Payroll Job Code: 009194
Job Location: UCI Campus- Irvine
Percent of Time: 43%
Work Schedule: part time, varies
Employee Class: Limited

 

Position Summary:
 
At UC Irvine's Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, our faculty of internationally recognized physicians, surgeons and scientists provide highly specialized training to future ophthalmologists, access to leading-edge clinical trials as well as sight-saving treatments and therapies for virtually any eye disorder. Eye surgeons, stem cell researchers, geneticists, infectious disease specialists and engineers are working on technologies and treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, corneal disease and cataracts as well as a vaccine to prevent eye and genital herpes infections. These efforts have vaulted UC Irvine School of Medicine into the top echelons of U.S. institutions receiving National Institutes of Health grants for vision research. Our goal is to spark innovation and continue to revolutionize patient care.
 
Under general supervision, incumbents fabricate and dispense eyeglasses. Opticians fill prescriptions from licensed optometrists; measure patients for eyewear; grind, edge, surface, level, and mount optical lenses; fit and adjust completed glasses; supervise and instruct students in the fabrication and dispensing of eyeglasses; maintain ophthalmic equipment; purchase new technical equipment and maintain inventories; and perform other duties as required. The optician hired to staff the optical shop will be responsible for recording patient history, patient care, and patient fitting for glasses. The optician must be skilled in matters related to eyeglasses and lenses and know how to properly clean, operate and maintain ophthalmic equipment. Strong communication and analytical skills, and strong attention to detail and safety are critical in this position. A large part of the optician’s time will be spent handling retail operations of the shop. Incumbent will receive training on policies and procedures, new product lines and new technologies within the retail sales of eyewear.

 

Total Compensation:

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits .

 
The expected pay range for this recruitment is $29.76 - $37.00 (Hourly Rate). The Full Salary Range for the salary grade this position is assigned to is $29.76 - $37.00 (Hourly Rate).

 

Department Website:

https://ophthalmology.uci.edu/

 
Required:
 

• A minimum of five years of experience as an optician fitting and dispensing eyewear in a retail sales environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience such as a three-year apprenticeship.
• Graduation from high school.
• ABO (American Board of Opticianry) required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System. Solid interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to tactfully and diplomatically communicate and interact with a variety of people including faculty, staff and the general public. 
• Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload. Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced optometry or ophthalmic setting. 
• Understanding of medical terminology. Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job. 
• Ability to put customers at ease, assist customers with eyewear purchases and process payments. 
• Ability to ascertain why a patient may be experiencing difficulty with their eyewear and resolve the situation once the problem has been determined. 
• Ability to accurately evaluate and document patient response to care and following guidelines in preparing patients for comprehensive eye exams. 
• Understanding of managed vision care plans. 
• Ability to calculate discounts, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 
• Ability to apply basic algebra. Maintains high standards of clinical hygiene at all times. 
• Knowledge of billing methodology/ CPT coding and provider requirements to ensure that the department is able to bill for services provided in the optical shop. 
• Knowledge and skill in the use of ophthalmic medical equipment used for comprehensive examinations. 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality as it relates to patient confidentiality, HIPPA, and all other state and federal regulations related to patient care. 
• Ability to maintain a high sales level within the retail operation.

 

Preferred:
 
• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two year college or technical school preferred.
• RDO licensing not required but preferred, obtained through CA Board of Optometry
• BLS or COA certification preferred. 
• National Contact Lens Technician Certificate preferred.
Ability to fabricate and grind lenses. Bilingual skills, preferably Spanish or Vietnamese, to communicate effectively with patients and families.
 
Special Conditions Required:
 
• Must pass a credit check. 
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekend preferred.
 

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy .
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected]

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