Ophthalmic Assistant

Kaiser Permanente; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated technical support professional for their Eye Care team. This role involves providing essential patient care both in-clinic and over the phone, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective eye health assessments. The ideal candidate will conduct clinical tests, assist with patient procedures, and manage appointment scheduling. This position offers a chance to impact patient care positively while working in a collaborative environment that values technical expertise and patient-centered service. If you are passionate about eye care and patient support, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your career.

Qualifications

• Experience in patient assessment and care in an eye care setting.
• Knowledge of clinical testing procedures and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient assessments and clinical exams for eye health.
• Provide appointment scheduling and patient care support.

Skills

Patient Assessment

Clinical Exam

Appointment Scheduling

Patient Care

Education

Certification in Ophthalmic Technology

High School Diploma

Tools

Ophthalmoscope

Retinoscope

Slit Lamp

Tonometer

Job description

Job Summary:

Provide technical and patient care support either in a clinic or on the phone as a member of the Eye Care team. In clinic, perform measurement and evaluation tests and specified procedures. On phone, act as a triage point for urgent, emergent, and general Eye Care needs. Support fitting of contact lenses and provide patient instruction.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment: Anticipate and recognize changes in the patient's eye health status and needs for eye care.
   - Clinic only: Take history including presenting complaint, past ocular and systemic history, medications, allergies, and drug reactions.
   - Phone only: Use the Eye Care triage process to provide telephone consultation and determine patient care priorities based on needs and resources.
2. Clinical Exam (clinic only): Conduct basic testing such as acuity measurement, color vision testing, lensometry, A-scan biometry, exophthalmometry, Amsler Grid, Schirmer test, pupillary evaluation, anterior chamber depth estimation, and visual field evaluation.
   Perform patient service procedures including ocular dressings, drug delivery, spectacle principles, assisting patients, minor surgery assistance, and instruction.
   Maintain instruments like acuity projectors, ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, lensometers, perimeters, tangent screens, phoropters, slit lamps, ultrasound, keratometers, lenses, tonometers, muscle lights, and surgical instruments.
3. Appointment Scheduling: In clinic, check-in or make follow-up appointments.
   On phone, provide scheduling guidance using technical judgment and established protocols.
4. Patient Care: Encourage compliance with therapeutic and medical treatments, promote patient self-care, and adhere to documentation standards. Ensure a safe environment following safety standards. In clinic, include principles of fitting procedures, patient instruction, troubleshooting, lens verification, cash handling, and retail opinions for contact lenses.