Optician presso Operation Samahan Mission / OpSam Health

Operation Samahan Mission

Building Healthier and Happier Communities Together      

The Organization

OpSam Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves the San Diego County community. Founded in 1973 in a barber shop in Downtown San Diego by Filipino health professionals offering services to immigrants who did not have the finances, linguistic skills, or ability to navigate the health care system. Today, Operation Samahan has evolved into a diverse community health center with services available in National City, Mira Mesa, City Heights, and Rancho Penasquitos. We provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, family planning, integrative health and wellness, healthy eating, civic engagement, and other health related services to the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved families of all income levels regardless of their ability to pay.

This dual-role position combines the responsibilities of an Optician and a Front Desk Receptionist to ensure the seamless delivery of vision care and exceptional patient service at our facility. The Optician duties involve assisting patients with selecting and fitting eyewear, managing optical inventory, and supporting the clinic's vision care services. The Front Desk Receptionist's responsibilities include greeting patients, managing appointments, and maintaining an organized and welcoming reception area.

Optician Duties

• Assist patients in selecting appropriate eyewear based on prescription, lifestyle, and preferences.
• Take accurate measurements of patients for eyeglass fitting, including pupillary distance and frame adjustments.
• Educate patients on lens options, coatings, and care instructions for glasses and contact lenses.
• Process eyewear orders and communicate with optical labs to ensure timely delivery.
• Perform minor repairs and adjustments on eyeglasses as needed.
• Maintain and organize optical inventory, ensuring frames and lenses are well-stocked.
• Assist in performing vision screenings as directed by clinical staff.
• Stay updated on current trends and products in the optical field to provide patients with the best options.

Front Desk Receptionist Duties

Reception

• Answer telephone calls promptly, routing callers and taking accurate messages as necessary.
• Provide routine information to patients or staff, including hours of operation, clinic directions, and provider schedules.
• Welcome patients, clients, and visitors in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Schedule appointments, reschedule as needed, and accommodate walk-ins and same-day visits.
• Ensure the reception and waiting areas are clean, safe, and stocked with organization-approved brochures.
• Inform patients of delays or wait times and assist with patient portal access and use.
• Provide patients with surveys and registration packets, assisting with their completion when needed.

Administration:

• Enter and verify patient registration information in the EMR system (e.g., ECW).
• Scan and upload insurance cards and identification documents into the system.
• Verify insurance eligibility and explain payment options, including sliding fee discounts and payment plans.
• Collect co-pays and process payments for services.
• Assist patients in obtaining medical records and facilitate self-referrals as directed by clinical staff.
• Call no-show patients to reschedule and address barriers to care.
• Perform annual updates to patient registration forms and recognize urgent care needs, notifying providers immediately.
• Train new front desk staff on organizational protocols and guidelines.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; certification as an optician is mandatory.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in an optical service role.
• Proficiency in using EMR systems and optical ordering software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on customer service.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of vision care products and services.
• Familiarity with FQHC operations and mission is a plus.

• Normal office and health center environment. 
• Move throughout the clinic and community. 
• Repetitive hand movement, use and view PC. Use fax, telephone, and copier.
• Sits or stand for long periods of time, reach, bend, climb, stoop, and lift up to 25lb. 
• Read and write, verbal and written communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.