The Optician I Technician is responsible for gathering information and measurements necessary to order and dispense eyeglasses, fabricating eyeglasses in the optical laboratory, and coordinating inventory, equipment, and staff.

Job Relationships

• Reports to the Operations Manager

Principal Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility is to see that patient needs are met in a timely manner.
• Dispenser has the authority to remake prescriptions that in their judgement should be redone at no charge.
• Gather patient eye use data (occupation, reading habits, etc.), including determining patient's personal preferences for frame and advising patient on frame selection.
• Obtain the patient's previous record and ensure that patient's record is complete and up to date.
• Take necessary measurement (i.e., P.D., segment height, bridge size, vertex distance, eye, bridge, and temple length, optical centers, base curve, etc.), including determining relationship between the prescription and frame design and determining relationship between facial features and frame design.
• Copy prescription and frame measurements onto record.
• Select multifocal segment style and width.
• Determine lines tint or coating and determine type of lens materials to be used.
• Calculate charges, collect any deposit, and give a receipt when needed.
• Dispense verified glasses to patients and adjust if necessary to satisfy patient.
  • Dispensing Duties - Instruct patient in the care and use of new prescription and give patient a warranty card when appropriate.
• File patient's record and prescription.
  • Repair broken frames, assemble frame and lenses, make pattern of frames when necessary and perform necessary adjustments.
• Check on or call to the attention of the Optometrist any old orders.
  • Keep work area neat, including changing water in ultrasonic cleaner and keeping frames in dispensing area picked up and on frame boards. Clean dispensing tables, chairs, mirrors and waiting room, clean sample frames and frame boards.
• Price frames before placing on display board.
• Enter patient information into the computer.
• Laboratory Duties May Include- Spot O.C., block and cut lenses.
  • Laboratory Duties May Include - Order Uncut lenses specifying base curve, blank size, AB and ED measurements, etc.
• Insert lens in frame and treat glass lenses, either chemically or with heat.
• Keep inventory of lenses up to date and check on old or slow jobs.
• Change coolants periodically.
• Order needed pattern and order frame for prescription.
• Hand edge lenses to fit patient's frame as necessary.
• Learn and cross cover the front desk for check in, check out, and taking payment.
• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.
• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.
• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to SC Way customer service philosophy.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• High School graduate or GED required.
• Membership in the American Board of Opticianry or equivalent yearly education is recommended, required within 1 year of hire after 1/1/23.
• Retail and laboratory experience recommended.

Licenses/Certificates

• Membership in the Illinois Society of Opticianry or an equivalent Association is recommended, required within 1 year of hire after 1/1/23.
• ABO certification is recommended, and required within 1 year of hire after 1/1/23

Working Environment

• Optical medical office.

PHI/Privacy Level

• HIPAA1