What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas' resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.

UTHealth Houston's Ophthalmology department is hiring for an Optician to join their team of professionals. The Optician will be responsible for: recommending appropriate lenses for patients (single-vision, Progressive, coatings, etc.); fitting eyeglass frames, including measuring pupillary distance and ensuring proper lens alignment; recommending, fitting, and adjusting frames; and more.

Location: 6400 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time - all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

The Optician provides optical services including frame selection, lens consultation, eyewear dispensing, adjustments, and repairs. Supports contact lens services under the supervision of ophthalmologists or optometrists. Ensures accurate interpretation of prescriptions, delivers excellent customer service, and maintains optical inventory. Contributes to clinic operations by supporting patient flow, documentation, and compliance with departmental and institutional policies.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Assists patients in selecting frames, lenses, and lens enhancements (coatings) based on prescription requirements and patient preferences.
• Accurately interprets ophthalmic and optometric prescriptions.
• Performs optical measurements, including pupillary distance (PD), segment height, frame fit, adjustments, and application of Fresnel prisms.
• Dispenses eyewear; verifies orders for quality and accuracy; and performs repairs or refits as needed.
• Supports contact lens services, including patient education on lens options; instruction on insertion, removal, cleaning, and hygiene; documentation of dispensing and training in the EHR; and management of contact lens trial inventory.
• Processes eyewear and contact lens orders and explains insurance benefits when applicable.
• Maintains frame boards, optical displays, and inventory levels.
• Ensures compliance with departmental and institutional policies, HIPAA regulations, and safety standards.
• Provides excellent customer service and supports a positive patient experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Knowledge of contact lens services, including insertion and removal of soft, gas permeable, and scleral contact lenses.
• Knowledge of eyeglass frame styling, eyewear dispensing, and optical troubleshooting.
• Skill in eyewear adjustments, lens technology, and optical terminology.
• Ability to apply Fresnel prisms and operate manual and/or automated lensometers.
• Ability to use computers and optical ordering software effectively.
• Work may involve handling biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials, as well as operating associated equipment. Required safety training and appropriate engineering and administrative controls including the use of personal protective equipment must be followed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) by American Heart Association (AHA) required or
• Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by American Red Cross or American Heart Association (AHA) required
• American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) by Board of Directors (ABO-NCLE) preferred

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent required
Minimum Experience:
2 years of experience as an optician, including experience with contact lens services, eyewear dispensing, optical troubleshooting, and patient education. required
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
Security Sensitive:
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.