Optical Assistant – Ophthalmology Department

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
Works under general supervision to provide administrative and patient-related functions to assist and support the day-to-day operations of the optical shop. 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  High School Diploma or GED Equivalent 
   

• Experience
  2 years of administrative experience to include one (1) year in healthcare, optical, retail optical, ophthalmology or optometry setting 
   

Preferred

• Experience
  Experience with Compulink optical software 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Provides professional assistance with initial inquiries for optical shop patients and serve as a point of contact for questions and service coordination.
• Manages patient appointment scheduling, confirmations, and modifications, ensuring clear communication and accurate information.
• Collaborates closely with opticians, physicians, and floor managers to support coordinated workflows and deliver a seamless, high-quality patient experience.
• Professionally manages incoming calls and electronic correspondence by triaging and directing inquiries to the appropriate departments.
• Accurately processes point-of-sale transactions, including payments and receipts, while maintaining eyewear frame inventory and ensuring displays are restocked and organized at opening, throughout the business day, and at close.
• Completes end-of-day closing procedures, including credit card batch processing, generating and submitting inventory reports, and delivering required documentation to the cash office within established deadlines.
• Prepares and manages supply orders to maintain appropriate inventory levels, and oversee laboratory-related processes.
• Coordinates outgoing shipments to laboratories, vendors, and patients.
• Ensures the front desk and waiting areas remain clean, organized, and presentable.
• Answers and appropriately routes incoming calls from the Urgent Provider phone line and request medical records. Schedules appointments based on the referring Provider‿s request, or per the Urgent Pool‿s directions if the requested scheduling timeframe is unavailable.
• Performs insurance verifications, process authorizations, and assist with EOB reviews and billing inquiries related to optical services.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of incoming optical prescription orders on a daily basis to ensure quality and patient safety.
• Assist with the dispensing of prescription eyewear to patients, providing professional support and ensuring proper fulfillment of orders.
• Coordinate and process orders for prescription eyewear, optical supplies, and related products to maintain adequate inventory and operational readiness.
• Attends and actively participates in optical and clinic-wide meetings, training, and continuing education sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.