Certified Optometry Assistant-Float

Kaiser Permanente; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Washington state seeks an optometric support specialist to assist doctors of optometry, perform pre-testing, and help coordinate patient care. You will record histories, take vitals, and manage patient flow within a busy eye care team.

As part of a collaborative practice, you will handle instrument maintenance, order supplies, and ensure sterile medications, while engaging with patients with professionalism and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years full-time optometric/ophthalmic practice experience or equivalent training.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certifications within 24 months of hire: Paraoptometric / Ophthalmic credentials.
• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Record patient medical and visual history; prepare clinical information for doctor.
• Take and record vitals; perform pre-testing and various eye tests.
• Maintain instruments, ensure sterility of medications and supplies.
• Manage phone calls, triage, and doctor(s) schedule.
• Coordinate patient optometric care with optical dispensing and other KP departments.
• Follow KP policies and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Patient care coordination

Professional adaptability

Optometric terminology

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Paraoptometric Assistant Certification

Registered Medical Assistant (Washington)

Certified Ophthalmic Technician

Tools

Auto-refractor

Auto-lensometer

Non-contact tonometer

Titmus vision tester

Snellen chart

Visual acuity projector

Visual field testing equipment

HealthConnect

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:

• Minimum two (2) years of previous full-time employment functioning in an optometric or ophthalmic practice under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and/or successful completion of a JCAHPO accredited ophthalmic medical technology program required, OR one (1) year in a back office provider support role in health care with on the job training in KP's Optometry training program (when available).
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 24 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Certified Ophthalmic Technician within 24 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Paraoptometric Technician 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.
• 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:

• Three (3) 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:

• Additional Locations: Salmon Creek, Orchards, Central Interstate, Rockwood, Clackamas, Tanasbourne, Sunset, Beaverton.