Optometric​/Optical Assistant

Optometric/Optical Assistant

Department:
Optometry | Program:
Optometry |

Reports to:

Optometry Manager | Employment Status:
Full‑Time | FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt |

Schedule:

40 Hours/52 Weeks

The Optometric/Optical Assistant is a paraprofessional role that assists the Optometrist and Optometry department manager. The assistant performs eye examinations, assists patients with vision hardware needs, and carries out general office tasks to support efficient and effective optometric/optical services.

• Obtain and record patient medical history.
• Prepare patients for vision examinations, including near/far acuity, depth perception, macula integrity, color perception, and visual field testing.
• Assist patients with frame selection, fitting, lens selection, and eye measurements.
• Verify prescription glasses for accuracy.
• Educate patients on proper eye care, contact lens insertion/removal, and eyeglass maintenance.
• Repair and adjust eyewear as needed.
• Clean and disinfect instruments.
• Schedule appointments, update patient records, track sales, and notify when eyewear is ready for pickup.
• Receive patients in a friendly, professional, and courteous manner.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws, Tribal policies, and TERO ordinance.

Lifting Requirements — Light work:
Exert up to 20 pounds of force frequently or negligible force continuously to move objects.

Physical Requirements — Stand or sit; walk; use hands/fingers; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk/hear; see; push or pull; repetitive motion.

OSHA Category — Category I:
Exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue.

Equipment and Tools — Computer, copier, fax, scanner, specialized optometry tools.

Travel — Kenaitze Indian Tribe Service Area;
In‑State;
Out‑of‑State.

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).

• Experience in customer service within an office‑based environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician.
• Experience in an eye care or optical clinic.
• Experience assisting healthcare providers to ensure high‑quality patient care.
• Knowledge of and experience working with cultural diversities.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required or to be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Certified Paraoptometric Certification (CPO) required or to be obtained within 1 year of hire.
• AK state Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) or registration as an apprentice optician, with LDO licensure (Spectacles) achieved within 2 years of starting the position.
• Valid Alaska State driver’s license and remain insurable under the Tribe’s policy.

• Business‑oriented, attentive, pleasant, respectful, and kind service approach.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Team‑player and independent work capability.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate diverse tasks with attention to detail.
• Professional judgment in day‑to‑day situations, research, and problem investigation.
• Promotion of a harmonious and cooperative work environment.

Position subject to the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (ICPA); compliance is required at all times.