Licensed Dispensing Optician

Athens, Georgia


Employer: University of Georgia
Industry: UHC-Vision Clinic
Salary: $56000 - $59000 per year
Job type: Full-Time

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S11884P

Working Title Licensed Dispensing Optician

Department UHC-Vision Clinic

About the University of Georgia

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.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Advertised Salary $56,000 - $59,000

Posting Date 04/02/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 05/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

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).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Information

Classification Title Allied Health Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Position Summary

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Competency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
  • Proficient in ophthalmic optics and contact lens training and lens care.
  • Familiar with ophthalmic eyeglass lens brands and contact lens brands and parameters.
  • Understanding of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) within the eye care field.
  • Effectively and professionally communicate with other departments, clinicians and co-workers to resolve patient issues.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills, excellent verbal skills, computer skills, strong basic math skills, sales skills
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks with flexibility and attention to detail.


Physical Demands

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.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

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.

Background Investigation Policy

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.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 40
Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 10
Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage of time 10


Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Kelli Cook

Recruitment Contact Email kcook@uhs.uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents

Created: 2024-05-19
Reference: S11884P
Country: United States
State: Georgia
City: Athens
ZIP: 30622