Optician, Dispensing Float

Kaiser Permanente; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Eyecare Services in the United States is seeking an experienced optician to provide comprehensive optical dispensing services, including order preparation for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting glasses, and guiding patients in frame selection.

You will interpret prescriptions, measure and calculate fitting specs, advise on materials, and ensure quality through precise lens fabrication and proper frame adjustments with dedicated ophthalmic equipment.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with optometric terminology.
• ABO certification knowledge or exam preparation.
• Basic mathematics.
• Operate dispensing equipment.
• Ability to communicate with patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services including design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, and repairing.
• Interpret prescriptions and advise on frame materials and lens options.
• Ensure quality product fabrication and conform to ANSI standards.
• Maintain documentation and support team goals.

Skills

Dispensing eye care

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Lens hand edger

Lensometer

Pupilometer

Frame warmer

Soldering units

Job description

Job Summary:

To provide direct service to members of the Kaiser Permanente Health Plan in the form of comprehensive, high quality optical dispensing services including preparation of orders for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting of glasses and other vision appliances and instructing patients in selection of attractive eyeglass frames.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including: the design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low vision devices. Services are accomplished in direct interaction with the patient utilizing a doctors prescription, taking and recording various anatomical measurements and obtaining information supplied by the patient. Subsequent visits by the patient involve dispensing and maintenance of ophthalmic eyewear.
• Interpret written optometric prescriptions and analyze the various alternatives by which it can be filled in order to make recommendations to the patient. Measure and calculate fitting and fabrication specifications. Advise the patient concerning available ophthalmic materials. Recommend the most favorable combination of the above factors for each eyeglass order to meet the clinical requirements and the patients personal preferences. Prepare fabrication specifications accordingly. Interview patient to ascertain occupational, lifestyle, and cosmetic needs. Advise patient regarding comfort, cosmetic and safety options, including; frame shape, frame material, color, lens styles, materials, colors, tints and other accessories and treatments. Accurately measure and shape lenses and adjust frames utilizing ophthalmic equipment including hand edgers, lensometer, pupilometer, soldering machines, and precision hand tools.
• Insure that members receive quality ophthalmic products and courteous, professional service. Product quality assurance includes accurate and precise lens fabrication meeting providers and opticians specifications and conforming to ANSI and other applicable regulatory requirements. Service involves resolving issues common in optical practice, including; member concerns, perceived patient vision needs, optical lab fabrication limitations, and patient to provider communication. Maintain relevant documentation. Promote competence and professionalism by maintaining proficiency in contemporary dispensing skills, updating product knowledge through regular participation in continuing education programs and affiliation with professional associations. Project a positive image of Kaiser Permanente Eyecare Services at all times.
• Responsibly manage and protect and account for all program assets, including; inventory, funds, tools, sundry sales merchandise. Support the activities of program doctors and fellow staff members in enhancing member service and achieving departmental goals. Display a positive team spirit by participating in cross-training, sharing duties with others and assisting Supervisor in special projects.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years as a dispensing or fabricating optician.

Education

• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Familiarity with optometric and ophthalmologic terminology.
• Thorough knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing theory and practice sufficient to quality for the ABO certification exam.
• Basic mathematics.
• Able to demonstrate thorough product knowledge, including lens materials, designs and coatings, frame structure and adjustment techniques.
• Ability to operate dispensing equipment, including; lens hand edger, lensometer, frame warmer, electric and butane soldering units, pupilometer, zyl hinge repair unit, and various optical hand tools.
• Operation of basic office machines (photocopier, 10-key, card imprinter, and computer keyboard).
• Human relations skills, especially oral and written communication.
• Ability to demonstrate effective selling skills and tactfully influence patient choices.Operation of multi-port personal computer, including date entry, retrieval and backup.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years optometric assistant experience in a clinical setting.
• One (1) year Optical Laboratory or equivalent.
• American Board of Opticianry certification and/or Washington Dispensing license.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of optical theory, ocular treatment, and product knowledge.
• Thorough knowledge of Kaiser Permanente Vision Care Program, behavior guidelines, and familiarity with HMO concepts.
• Fitting consultation training (color and frame fashion).
• Use and care of tools and equipment used in optical dispensing.
• Basic optical lab finishing skills.
• Sound interpersonal and retail optical sales skills.
• Able and willing to cross-train in the procedures for contact lens dispensing.
• Two (2) years of college level optical technology program or equivalent apprenticeship.

Notes:

• Travel locations include: Longview, Salmon Creek, Orchards, Rockwood, Clackamas, Central Interstate, Beaverton, Sunset, Tanasbourne, & North Lancaster