Optical/Contact Lens Training Specialist

## Description
**MAIN FUNCTION**
This individual is responsible for training new optical/contact lens hires as well as working in the optical department as needed.
**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Exceptional judgment and “people skills.”
• Management of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Personable; empathetic with both patient and staff’s needs and concerns
• Strong organization with attention to detail
• Ability to work as a team member
• Demonstrated computer literacy
• Willingness and ability to travel to other Graystone Eye location

**JOB QUALITY REQUIREMENTS**

1. **Optical Training**

• a.) Assists in training staff under supervision of the Optical Director and Optical Coordinator.
• b.) Participates in written evaluations of optical employees, as directed.
• c.) Performs 30 day and 90 day reviews of optical skills for new employees.
• d.) Assists in training and mentoring new and minimally experienced employees.
• e.) Develops and maintains a personalized training program for optical staff,
• under supervision of Optical Director and Optical Coordinator, based on deficiencies revealed by skill evaluations.
• f.) Monitors technician efficiencies during training to ensure trainees are able to
• independently meet national benchmarks for appropriate exams.
• g.) Remain current on credit hours for ABO or higher certifications.
• h.) Maintain OSHA and HIPAA compliance.

1. **Contact Lens Training**

• **Knowledge of Contact Lens Materials & Manufacturers**
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of major contact lens manufacturers and product lines
• Understand differences in lens materials and designs, including:
• Daily wear and extended wear soft lenses
• Gas permeable (RGP) materials
• Identify and differentiate lens modalities:
• Spherical lenses
• Toric lenses
• Multifocal lenses
• Multifocal toric lenses
• Monovision designs
• **Contact Lens Fitting & Evaluation Skills**
• **Soft Contact Lenses**
• Fit and evaluate:
• Spherical lenses
• Toric lenses
• Multifocal lenses
• Multifocal toric lenses
• Assess lens movement, centration, rotation, and comfort
• Make appropriate adjustments based on over-refraction and fit assessment
• **RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) Lenses**
• Fit and adjust:
• Spherical RGP lenses
• Toric RGP lenses
• Multifocal RGP lenses
• Keratoconus designs
• Post-corneal graft fits
• Evaluate fluorescein patterns and corneal alignment
• Modify base curve, diameter, and power as needed
• **Diagnostic Testing & Instrumentation**
• Perform:
• Corneal topography
• Pentacam imaging (corneal tomography)
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment
• Use diagnostic data to guide lens selection and fit adjustments
• **Patient Instruction & Education**
• Train patients on:
• Proper insertion and removal of soft contact lenses
• Proper insertion and removal of RGP lenses
• Lens hygiene, cleaning, and storage systems
• Safe handling techniques and compliance education
• Provide troubleshooting support for lens discomfort and wear issues
• **Contact Lens Ordering, Inventory & Dispensing**
• Enter, process, and track contact lens orders accurately
• Receive and verify incoming shipments
• Dispense lenses according to provider prescriptions and clinic protocols
• Maintain accurate inventory records and reorder appropriately
• Ensure insurance or billing requirements are followed when applicable
• **Clinical Judgment & Troubleshooting**
• Recognize fitting complications and recommend appropriate adjustments
• Identify poor lens fit, decentration, excessive movement, or corneal staining
• Communicate findings effectively with supervising provider
• Recommend alternative lens designs when needed

1. **Administrative**

• a.) Provides back-up support to other technicians, including returning patient phone calls and assisting on the optical sales floor.
• b.) Performs other tasks as required.