About Company
Boteti Sub District Hospital stands as a cornerstone of public healthcare in Letlhakane and the broader Central District of Botswana. Dedicated to serving our community with comprehensive and compassionate medical services, we are a vital institution committed to improving the health and well-being of all residents. Our hospital encompasses various specialized departments, including a crucial eye clinic that provides essential optometric and ophthalmologic care. We pride ourselves on a patient-first approach, fostering an environment where both our staff and patients feel supported, respected, and empowered. Joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated family of healthcare professionals who are passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives through quality care and innovative health solutions. We continually strive for excellence, embracing both established medical practices and opportunities for growth and development within the dynamic healthcare landscape of Botswana.
Job Description
Are you passionate about helping people see the world more clearly and delivering exceptional customer service? Boteti Sub District Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Optical Assistant to join our bustling Eye Clinic team in Letlhakane. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a strong customer service background to make a meaningful impact in a vital healthcare setting. As an Optical Assistant, you will be the welcoming face of our eye clinic, playing a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for every patient from the moment they step through our doors until their visit concludes. Your responsibilities will extend beyond administrative tasks; you will be instrumental in supporting our optometrists and ophthalmologists, conducting initial patient screenings, assisting with frame selection, and educating patients on lens options and contact lens care. This role demands a keen eye for detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to serve the community. You will manage appointments, maintain accurate patient records, prepare examination rooms, and handle basic repairs and adjustments of eyewear. We are looking for someone who is not only organized and efficient but also possesses a high degree of empathy and patience, particularly when working with diverse patient populations, including children and the elderly. Your contribution will directly impact our patients’ ability to access quality vision care, fostering trust and ensuring their continued eye health. Join us in our mission to provide outstanding healthcare services and help improve the quality of life for the residents of Letlhakane and surrounding areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Warmly greet and welcome patients upon arrival, managing check-ins and check-outs efficiently and courteously.
- Schedule and confirm patient appointments, manage waiting lists, and maintain organized patient flow.
- Assist optometrists and ophthalmologists by performing preliminary tests such as visual acuity, auto-refraction, and non-contact tonometry, accurately recording results.
- Educate patients on various lens types, coatings, contact lens insertion/removal, proper care, and general eye health practices.
- Assist patients in selecting appropriate frames that meet their style, fit, and prescription requirements.
- Process orders for spectacles and contact lenses, ensuring accuracy in prescriptions, measurements, and billing procedures.
- Maintain and organize comprehensive patient records, ensuring confidentiality and strict compliance with hospital and national health protocols.
- Clean and sterilize ophthalmic instruments and equipment, and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of examination rooms and optical display areas.
- Perform minor adjustments and repairs on eyeglasses, ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Handle patient inquiries and resolve issues professionally, empathetically, and effectively, escalating complex concerns to appropriate clinical staff.
- Manage inventory of frames, lenses, and contact lenses, assisting with ordering, receiving, and stock control.
- Assist with various administrative tasks including filing, scanning documents, faxing, and accurate computer data entry.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 1 year of proven experience in a customer service role, preferably within a healthcare or retail environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly explain complex information.
- Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to task management.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite, email, and data entry systems).
- Ability to multitask effectively, prioritize responsibilities, and work efficiently in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
- High level of empathy, patience, and a compassionate approach to patient care, understanding diverse patient needs.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as an Optical Assistant, Optometric Technician, or a similar role in an eye clinic or optical retail setting.
- A certificate or diploma in a healthcare-related field, medical administration, or customer service.
- Familiarity with ophthalmic terminology, vision conditions, and a basic understanding of vision care products.
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and patient management software.
- Fluency in Setswana and English to effectively communicate with our diverse patient population.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
- Contributions to a national pension scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within the hospital.
- A supportive, collaborative, and respectful work environment dedicated to team well-being.
- The profound satisfaction of contributing directly to the health and well-being of the local community.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application, including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining their suitability for the Optical Assistant role, by clicking on the link below. Please ensure your application highlights your experience in customer service and any relevant background in healthcare or optical settings. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.