Patient Educator - Ophthalmology experience preferred, no weekends, full benefits

EyeCare Partners is the nation’s leading provider of clinically integrated eye care. Our national network of over 300 ophthalmologists and 700 optometrists provides a lifetime of care to our patients with a mission to enhance vision, advance eye care and improve lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, over 650 ECP-affiliated practice locations provide care in 18 states and 80 markets, providing services that span the eye care continuum. For more information, visit www.eyecare-partners.com .

• Company: Virginia Eye Consultants
• Job Title: Patient Educator

• Department: Ophthalmology
• Reports To: Surgical Services Manager
• Location: This position is based in Norfolk and requires occasional travel to our satellite offices. We pay mileage!
• Pay: $18-22 DOE

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) preferred

SUMMARY

The Patient Educator interfaces between patients who are interested in surgery and the medical, technical, and administrative staff. They provide in-person or virtual screenings, balanced education, and counseling to prospective patients regarding the benefits of surgery and their options. They discuss cost and payment options including their intraocular lens options (ATIOLs). They may also assist in maintaining relationship management systems including data entry of marketing and outcome data. Ideally, patient education starts before the patient comes in for cataract or refractive surgery evaluation. This is managed by contacting the patients before their scheduled appointment via email, phone, or text messages and by sharing information verbally, in writing, or with links to short videos. Once in the office, the Patient Educator meets with the patient prior to seeing the doctor, usually during the time after they have undergone technician exam procedures and is waiting to see the physician.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will require flexibility and a broad knowledge base, with ability to perform any of the below tasks.

Provides exceptional customer service during every patient encounter (in person or via phone)

Displays a professional attitude, greets patients promptly with a smile, and thanks them when they leave

Practices urgency at all times with patients’ time, as well as doctors’ time and schedule, and manages patient flow

Complies with all company policies and procedures, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability)

Serves as support to patients for patient education, counseling, and inquiries:

Discussion of patient's vision goals for after surgery

Discussion of patient's daily living activities and hobbies

Explanation of eye anatomy and the cataract or refractive surgical procedure

Explanation of each lens or package options and the benefits and limitations of these technologies (as appropriate for patient's needs)

Provides ATIOL educational materials to patients through different modalities (i.e., Rendia, video links, printed materials, etc.), and assists with maintaining patient access to these materials throughout the practice

Provides explanation of lens or package pricing structure and payment/financing options with prospective patients

Serves as the liaison between patients and physicians:

Communicates patient's vision goals and ATIOL interest

Communicates past ocular history as related to potential candidacy for ATIOL (i.e., refractive surgery, monovision, contact lens wear, astigmatism, trauma, pathology, etc.)

Coordinates with practice staff to ensure seamless patient transfers

Facilitates prompt, professional, patient-friendly communications (i.e., phone calls, emails, portal, etc.) between patient and physician or referring physician and surgeon

Assists in the practice development of ATIOL Program:

Collaborates with administration for patient incentive letters, marketing for promotions, and gathering patient testimonials for practice materials and social media

Compiles and generates patient data using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets

Sends practice, product and/or treatment, and financing information via email or mail to non-closed leads

Follows up with non-closed leads via phone, email, portal or mail and records progress using tracking tools and/or spreadsheets

Job may require other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Desire to gain industry knowledge and training

Demonstrates initiative in accomplishing practice goals

Ability to grow, adapt, and accept change

Consistently creating a positive work environment by being team-oriented and patient-focused

Ability to interact with all levels of employees in a courteous, professional manner at all times

Reliable transportation that would allow employee to go to multiple work locations with minimal notice

Commitment to work over 40 hours to meet the needs of the business

Ability to work weekends when applicable

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED equivalent is required

Experience in financial counseling is preferred

Experience working with insurance is preferred

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Required: None

SYSTEMS A ND TECHNOLOGY

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions. The position involves frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25–50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential, as the role demands constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity—including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus—is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary.

Perks:

Full Benefits Package - Medical, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance

401k + Employer Matching

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Paid Maternity Leave

Optical Education Reimbursement

Competitive Base Pay

If you need assistance with this application, please contact (636) 227-2600. Please do not contact the office directly – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered.

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.