Optometry Assistant

Who we are: La Clínica de La Raza is a community-based health center committed to providing culturally appropriate, high-quality, and accessible health care to the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. We have spent over 40 years advocating for and creating a health-home for the many that have been denied access to care. As healthcare activists, we are dedicated to ensuring that individuals without healthcare coverage receive the same quality healthcare as those with it. From our genesis as a community health center in 1971, we understood that we cannot heal our communities without addressing the economic and social factors affecting health, often requiring us to provide services in settings that connect individuals to our health center for preventive and primary care. Over 90,000 individuals come to La Clínica for a welcoming place that addresses the whole person, coordinating and connecting them to a wide network of services to improve and maintain their health and well-being.

Be part of an excellent care team: We are looking for Optometry Assistants inspired to deliver an exceptional patient experience and play a significant role in patient-centered care by performing at the top of their practice scope. At La Clínica, you will be challenged to be accurate, observant, and efficient while providing a human touch and excellent overall patient experience. It takes a special combination of skills and character to excel in these areas. You need to enjoy interacting with diverse individuals, feel energized by a fast-paced clinic environment, and remain composed under pressure, even with upset or impatient patients. A successful history of being responsible, reliable, and capable of solving problems while being friendly and supportive to other care team members is essential. We offer great benefits such as health insurance, educational leave, paid time off, and more. Our clinics are located in the thriving Bay Area known for its cultural diversity and recreational activities.

Major Areas of Responsibility Patient Care

• Places patient in examining room, takes detailed medical history, and records patient chief complaint.
• Checks visual acuity; performs tonometry and other pretesting as directed by the doctor.
• Instills diagnostic topical pharmaceuticals (eye drops) when directed by the doctor.
• Handles infectious wastes; prepares instruments for sterilization.
• Selects, dispenses and verifies prescriptions of visual appliances (i.e., frames, contact lenses).
• Responsible for minor frame repairs and adjustments.
• Operates visual fields screening devices and ocular photography cameras.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Commitment to Quality

• Translates between patient and provider, treatment instructions, questions patients may have regarding physician’s orders, use of medications, and contact lenses.
• Demonstrates a commitment to excellent patient experience and quality outcomes.
• Communicates and works effectively with providers and other care team members.
• Contributes to a welcoming clinical space and healthy work environment through proactive relationship building, direct communication, and sound judgment.
• Engaged participation in huddles, staff meetings, team building activities, and assigned development opportunities.
• Continues professional development through educational opportunities.
• Adheres to all ethical and professional standards, including La Clínica’s policies and procedures.

General Office Duties

• Schedules follow-up appointments and verifies appointment times with patients.
• Screens and monitors EHR requests, completing or routing as assigned.
• Greets and logs in patients arriving at the office or clinic.
• Contacts medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or appointments.
• Inventories stock, orders, and verifies receipt of medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
• Keeps equipment working; troubleshoots breakdowns; stocks supplies; calls for repairs.
• Enters key medical record information or performs other required record keeping duties.

Minimum Job Requirements Knowledge

• Basic optometry assisting practices and skills and the types of equipment used.
• Modern medical terminology, chronic health conditions, and health education related to the service area.
• Working with modern computer applications and electronic health records.
• Methods of safely lifting and moving patients, equipment, and supplies.
• Cleaning and sterilization techniques for medical equipment and patient areas.

Abilities

• Demonstrates flexibility and accepts changes gracefully.
• Able to work professionally and collaboratively in team-based care delivery.
• Comfort with direct patient contact and solid interpersonal skills for patient education.
• Ability to work across cultures and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Use clear and efficient communication skills in English.
• Complete and maintain accurate patient records.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or another language preferred.

Other Certifications and Experience

• Requires High School diploma or equivalent, assistant training/experience preferred.
• Certificate of completion of two years assistant training program preferred.
• Must hold a current BLS (Basic Life Support) Certificate; you will have 30 days from the date of hire to obtain it.
• Experience in an optometry office preferred.

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