Assistant, Optometry Certified

Kaiser Permanente; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

KAISER Permanente Vancouver, WA seeks an Assistant, Optometry Certified to support doctors of optometry. Responsibilities include managing patient records, pre-testing, instrument care, and coordinating care with multiple KP departments.

Must complete credentialing within specified timeline and possess strong interpersonal skills. Experience in ophthalmic support and familiarity with diagnostic equipment is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Paraoptometric or ophthalmic certifications within 24 months.
• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire.
• One year back-office clinical experience or completion of accredited clinical assistant program.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a managed practice environment with ophthalmic terminology.

Responsibilities

• Record medical and visual history and prepare clinical information for doctors.
• Take and record vitals; perform pre-testing and ophthalmic exams.
• Handle scheduling: book appointments and triage calls.
• Maintain and calibrate ophthalmic instruments and supplies.
• Coordinate care with optical, pharmacy, and other KP departments.
• Follow policies and confidentiality; perform other duties.

Skills

Ophthalmic instruments

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kaiser HealthConnect

Auto-refractor

Non-contact tonometer

Titmus vision tester

Job description

Job Summary:

To assist and support doctors of optometry in a collaborative relationship to provide patients with optimum levels of general optometric care. Under the direct supervision of the doctor, will provide technical and support assistance to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the doctors of optometry.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Accurately record patients medical and visual history, review and prepare other clinical information (PST, Medicare refresh, etc.) for doctor(s). Take and record patient vitals when indicated in EMR. Perform appropriate pre-testing, such as but not limited to assessing gross visual skills, extraocular muscle action and pupillary reflexes. Perform OCT, Visual Fields and Diabetic Photos. Maintain accurate records and reports as instructed by the doctor. Instill eye-drops when ordered by the doctor. Assist in therapeutic procedures such as foreign body removal.

• Receive and process phone calls and other patient communication, from patients, assess the nature of the situation and manage triage accordingly. Manage all aspects of doctor(s) schedule, including booking appointments.

• Maintain diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and equipment to insure that they are clean and accurate. Assess condition of instruments and arrange for repair and/or recalibration as necessary. Maintain instruments and medications for ophthalmic therapeutics; insure that instruments and medications are available and sterile.

• Respond to patient concerns and resolve or forward them to the proper person or area for resolution.

• Coordinate patient optometric care with optical dispensing, membership services, family practice, ophthalmology, pharmacy and other KP departments and services.

• Follow all KP policies, procedures, and behavior guidelines and standards for the treatment of members and confidentiality of their care. Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year back office clinical experience directly supporting a medical provider OR completion of an accredited clinical assistant program (I.E. MAs, CNAs, LPN,s Dental Assistants, and Patient Care Techs), AND the willingness to participate in on the job training in KPs Optometry training program.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Paraoptometric Technician Certificate within 24 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 24 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Certified Ophthalmic Assistant within 24 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Certified Ophthalmic Technician within 24 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience and competence with ophthalmic instruments, including: auto-refractor, auto-lensometer, non-contact tonometer, Titmus vision tester, Snellen chart, visual acuity projector, and visual field testing equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of instruments and equipment for preliminary testing, ancillary testing and in the application of eye-drops.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a professional environment within a managed practice organization. Familiarity with optometric and optical terminology.
• Familiarity with optometric instruments and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of previous experience in optometric or other ophthalmic practice.
• Basic knowledge of Kaiser Permanente policies, procedures and philosophy and culture.
• Thorough knowledge of basic science and optics, familiarity with optometric and/or ophthalmic procedures related to preliminary testing.
• Basic knowledge of instillation of optometric diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceuticals as applied to the practice of optometry.
• Working knowledge of HealthConnect.

Notes:

• Travel locations include LVK, SAL, ORC, RKW, CEC, CIN, BVT, SST, TNB, & NLR

COMPANY: KAISER

TITLE: Assistant, Optometry Certified

LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington

REQNUMBER: 1436163

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status.