Optician, Dispensing Float

Kaiser Permanente Northwest; Oregon; On-site; USD 64,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Northwest is seeking an experienced ophthalmic dispensing optician to provide direct service to members, including preparation of orders for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting glasses, and patient instruction on frame selection.

You will interpret prescriptions, measure fittings, and advise on frame materials, lens options, coatings, and safety features while using tools such as lensometers and edgers.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years as a dispensing or fabricating optician.
• Thorough knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing theory and practice.
• Ability to operate dispensing equipment (lens edger, lensometer, pupilometer, soldering units).
• Familiarity with optometric/ophthalmologic terminology and ABO certification prep.

Responsibilities

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services including design, ordering, dispensing, fitting and repair of eyeglasses and low vision devices.
• Interpret prescriptions and advise on frame, lens materials, colors and treatments.
• Accurately measure, shape lenses and adjust frames using standard ophthalmic equipment.
• Maintain documentation and ensure quality, ANSI-compliant fabrication.

Skills

Ophthalmic dispensing

Customer service

Selling skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Dispensing equipment

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.

• 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.

Experience

Basic Qualifications:

• 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.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.

Location, Schedule & Compensation

Primary Location: Oregon, Clackamas, Clackamas Eye Care & Imaging

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Day

Workdays: Mon-Sat Variable

Working Hours Start: 09:30 AM

Working Hours End: 06:00 PM

Job Schedule: Full-time

Job Type: Standard

Worker Location: Onsite

Employee Status: Regular

Employee Group/Union Affiliation: W02|AFT|Local 5017

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Department: Clackamas Eye Care - Optical Dispensing - 1008

Pay Range: $31.15 - $42.34 / hour

Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of our total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Travel: Yes, 75 % of the Time

Work Setting: Onsite

Worker location must align with Kaiser Permanente's Authorized States policy.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.