Optician

OPTICIAN (009194)

UCPath Position ID: MI-DPT521500-JC009194-PD168967

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1103994

Approved Date:

6/17/2026 5:52:05 PM

Date Last Edited:

6/17/2026 5:52:03 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

10/2/2022

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

7000O

Organization:

VC STUDENT AFFAIRS                     

Division Code:

7800D

Division:

STUDENT HEALTH                         

Department:

521500 - ARTHUR ASHE STU HEALTH & WELLNESS CNTR

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

MI-DPT521500-JC009194-PD168967

Position Description ID

168967

UC Payroll Title:

OPTICIAN (009194)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

EX: Patient Care Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40044485

Reports to Payroll Title:

AMBUL CARE ADMSTN SUPV 2 GF

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40064479

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN SUPV 2 GF

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Optometry Manager and the general direction from the Optometrist, the Optician provides clinical and technical assistance to the Optometrist in the care of patients. By facilitating the selection, fitting, and dispensing of corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses. Needing to interpret prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure accurate lens placement and optimal vision correction for each patient. The optician guides patients in choosing frames and lenses that suit their vision needs, lifestyle, and personal style. They also perform precise measurements and make necessary adjustments or repairs to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Opticians also provide patient education, explaining lens options and providing instruction on eyewear care and handling. Bridging the gap between diagnosis and delivering effective vision solutions to patients

The mission of The Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center (The Ashe Center) is to support UCLA students in the successful attainment of their educational goals through the personalized delivery of accessible, high-quality health and wellness services, rendered with kindness and competence, by diligent, dedicated professionals.

Our comprehensive services include Primary Care, Gynecology Services, Immunizations, Travel Medicine, Physical Therapy, Specialty Clinics, Radiology & Laboratory, and Acupuncture – all under one roof! We are also pleased to offer additional services in the Ackerman Student Union: a full-service optometry center, U See LA Optometry, and the Bruin Health Pharmacy.

UCLA's student health center and its suite of services consistently rank as best in the nation. Most recently, the wellness fintech brand Ness awarded UCLA and The Ashe Center as the healthiest college in the state of California.

General and Specialized Clinical/Patient Care Functions

Uses EMR systems (Compulink, EPIC) to document and manage patient records. Greets patients with professionalism and cultural sensitivity while maintaining confidentiality. Supports clinic flow by preparing charts, eyewear, and contact lenses; conducting patient intake; and performing diagnostic testing, including visual acuity, pupillometry, color testing, and lensometry. Provides clear instructions on eye and contact lens care, manages inventory, answers patient calls, and facilitates referrals and follow-up care. Assists optometrists with clinical and administrative tasks, maintains exam rooms and equipment, and contributes to efficient, high-quality patient care.

25%

Dispensary Duties/Tasks

Assists patients in the selection of frames. Monitor the dispensary for theft and improper conduct. Cleans/adjusts/repair frames as requested by patients of optometrist. Order and inventory frames and lenses with appropriate vendors. Maintains an accurate inventory of supplies, frames, and equipment. Dusts and cleans dispensary area to maintain a clean and respectable environment. Informs patients by telephone or e-mail when spectacles are ready for pick up. Measures all lens parameters of ordered lenses for precision and to meet ANSI standards. Manage accounts with contact lens/frames suppliers/laboratories. Keeps track of accounts payable, approvals, and submits invoices to accounting office.

25%

Optical Finish Center Duties and Requirements

Performs eyewear manufacturing in compliance with ANSI standards, ensuring accuracy in prescription, lens axis, pupillary distance, and cosmetic quality. Operates lab equipment, applies optical principles, and uses optical tools to complete and finalize jobs efficiently. Maintains and calibrates lab equipment, performs preventive maintenance, and reports issues promptly. Adheres to safety protocols, uses PPE, stores chemicals properly, and follows waste disposal procedures. Maintains a clean, organized, and safe lab environment. Coordinates with management and opticians to support workflow, supply ordering, inventory management, and timely completion of patient jobs.

25%

Contact Lens Duties and Tasks

Assists with contact lens fittings by verifying rigid gas permeable lenses (base curve, power, diameter, optic zone, thickness, edges, and color). Provides lens information to optometrists as needed, dots or re-dots lenses, and cleans/disinfects diagnostic sets. Selects and monitors suppliers for quality and cost, measures lens parameters to meet ANSI standards, and inspects lenses for defects. Orders, packages, and ships spare or replacement lenses, notifying patients when ready. Trains patients in lens care, hygiene, insertion, removal, and sterilization methods. Polishes, re-edges, and reconditions lenses, maintains instruments and inventory, and ensures diagnostic sets remain clean, sterile, and organized.

20%

Miscellaneous Duties

Accepts other assignments deemed pertinent and appropriate to the smooth running of Student Health Service. Performs all assignments and duties, pro-actively (without prodding/reminders), accurately and in timely manner. Is aware of and adheres to job expectations and conditions of employment in SHS and at the Univ. of California. Contributes to a harmonious work environment through team collaboration, individual responsibility, and positive interactions. Receives constructive criticism and guidance with equanimity and engages in discussion regarding performance in a professional manner. Maintains awareness of SHS Goals and Objectives and participates in suggestions and other activities as requested by the supervisor.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Required

3+ Years

Experience in customer service.

Required

3+ Years

Experience in an optical environment.

Required

1+ Years

Optical Lab experience.

Required

American Board of Opticianry certification.

Required

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.

Required

Organizational skills to prioritize work when faced with competing requirements, and interruptions to meet deadlines.

Required

Communication skills (written, verbal) to convey accurate information to individuals at all levels of the organization.

Required

General knowledge of Ashe Center policies and procedures.

Preferred

Ability to work and communicate professionally with a diverse clientele.

Required

Ability to use a computer to input data, generate letters, forms etc. in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and File Maker Pro.

Required

Knowledge of clinic schedules, ability to access schedule in computer, make appointments, and generate routing slips.

Preferred

Working knowledge of consultation and referral forms for Ashe Center and UCLA Medical Center.

Required

Knowledge of operations and maintenance of ophthalmic instruments and equipment.

Required

Ability to order and maintain an accurate inventory of supplies, frames, and equipment.

Required

Excellent customer service skills when communicating with patients in a professional manner, and knowing when to notify appropriate staff if a problem cannot be resolved.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Pre-Placement Physical: Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory physical examination.

TB Test: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory TB test.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Medical Center/Clinic

Location:

Ashe Center (U See LA)

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical Skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.