Health - Optical Lab Coordinator

Under the direction of the Chief Optometrist, the Optical Lab Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the daily operations of the Sault Tribe optical dispensaries to monitor, maintain, and improve all aspects of optical eyeglass and contact lens ordering. This role involves coordinating workflow, maintaining quality standards, managing inventory, and supporting lab staff to meet production goals while adhering to health division lab standards and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: ( includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Provides pre-screening optical patients, instructing on contact lenses and managing billing.
• Audits all incoming and outgoing orders for quality assurance, pricing accuracy, and actively works to correct orders and recover lost revenue.
• Coordinates eyeglass frame stock current and pricing is up to date,
• Troubleshoots lab errors, pricing errors, and optician errors that impact the budget of each optical location.
• Responsible for ensuring that all eyeglass orders each month equal the total monthly invoice from the lab before submitting for payment.

• Actively works to correct orders and recover lost revenue.
• Troubleshoots both lab and optician errors to improve quality.
• Maintains updated pricing for inventory.
• Monitors optical invoices at all locations for accuracy.
• Offers pertinent advice regarding development of the annual optical budget.
• Development of an annual QI project to improve the optical dispensary.
• Assists in orientating new Opticians.
• Frame/lens selection, fitting, and ordering.
• Stocking of frames from suppliers.
• Serves as an optical representative dealing directly with outside optical labs and vendors.
• Coordinates technical issues with the IT Department team member(s).
• Works to resolve interdepartmental issues with billing, lab, PRC, supply and others.
• Pre-test patients using ophthalmic instruments including, but not limited to auto kerato-refractometers, non-contact tonometers, OCT Cirrus, and Visual Field Analyzer.
• Ophthalmic optics, verifying, dispensing, and repairs.
• Patient scheduling and referrals.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

· Travel to other optical locations as needed.

· Other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, Board of Directors, customers, outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position is sedentary, primarily sitting/lifting of maximum of 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing (good listening skills), near and midrange vision (computer use), color vision and typing; frequent standing, walking, sitting, use of far vision and bending; and occasional carrying, lifting under 10 pounds and pushing, including wheelchairs, climbing, stooping, reaching, manual handling, depth perception, field of vision and driving. Potential hazards include contact exposure to chemicals (CaviWipes), patient and/or client contact, computer use and equipment (medical). Protective equipment/clothing needed to perform the job including clean scrubs and no open shoes requirement. Manual dexterity and attending to fine detail. Requires standing for extended periods and handling small, detailed optical components.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in an optical laboratory/paraoptometric field required. Minimum of one year supervisory or leadership experience preferred. Associated Degree or certification in optical technology preferred.

Certification/License: CPO (Certified Paraoptometric) Certification preferred. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have the ability to support Optometrists by providing eye care services, performing pre-exam tests and management of optical patient records. Strong understanding of optical lab processes, equipment and quality standards is required for this position. Must have excellent organizational, communication, prioritizing and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities is needed. Must be proficient with lab management software and basic computer applications. Knowledge of spectacle fabrication required. Knowledge of ophthalmic and physical optics required. Knowledge of frame adjustment and repair required. Must be able to independently organize the optical dispensary. Strict adherence to confidentiality is a must. Native American preferred.