Certified Optometry Assistant-Float

Kaiser Permanente; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente is seeking an optometric support professional to assist doctors and deliver high‑quality patient care. Under supervision, you will perform pre‑testing, document patients' histories, and help coordinate appointments and services across departments.

The role requires experience in ophthalmic settings or KP training, with strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and sterile instrumentation.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in optometric/ophthalmic practice under supervision, or 1 year in a back‑office provider support role with KP training.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Certificates within 24 months from AOA or IJCAHPO or related bodies; WA M.D. registrations where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Record medical and visual history, review clinical information for doctors.
• Take vitals in EMR and perform pre‑testing (visual skills, EOM, pupillary reflexes).
• Manage doctor schedules and appointment bookings.
• Maintain ophthalmic instruments and meds; ensure sterility.
• Coordinate care with optical dispensing, membership services, pharmacy and other KP departments.
• Respond to patient concerns and triage as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ophthalmic instrument experience

Patient triage

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

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

• Experience 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 KPs Optometry training program (when available).
• Education High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• License, Certification, Registration 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 include Interstate, Rockwood, Salmon Creek, Longview, Orchards, Beaverton, Sunset, Tanasbourne, North Lancaster, and Skyline.