Optometric Assistant

Kaiser Permanente; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Bakersfield, CA, seeks an Ophthalmic Assistant to support optometrists and ophthalmologists. Under supervision, you will perform preliminary testing, record patient history, and help with eye examinations and patient flow.

The role emphasizes accuracy in measurements, slit lamp prep, lensometry, tonometry, and basic contact lens tasks, with opportunities to assist across departments as needed. A program in Optometric/Ophthalmic assisting and HS diploma are required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a program in Optometric or Ophthalmic Office assisting with certification and six months experience
• High School Diploma or GED required

Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures and applicable laws
• Obtains and records patient history in medical chart
• Measures spectacles using lensometers and pupillary distance
• Measures visual acuity with projection tests (HOTV, Preschool Vision Test)
• Performs auto-refraction/keratometry and manual keratometry
• Instills eye drops for dilation and tonometry and performs non-contact tonometry
• Maintains exam room and organizes equipment and supplies
• Uses EMR system to schedule or cancel appointments
• Assist Optometrist during eye examinations as needed
• Books contact lens appointments and handles related payments
• Maintains contact lens inventory and orders lenses
• Handles contact lens fitting, insertion and removal

Skills

Patient interaction

Medical terminology

Sterile technique

Universal precautions

Attention to detail

Education

Optometric/Ophthalmic assisting cert

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, performs preliminary testing for optometric examinations; assists Optometrist as directed; screens telephone calls from patients and provides assistance as necessary.

Essential Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Obtains and records patient history information in medical chart, including health problems, medications, and family history.
• Maintains medical and eye chart files; requests and reviews medical charts as necessary.
• Measure spectacles using manual and auto lensometers, measures pupillary distance.
• Measures visual acuity, distance and near, using manual and auto projections, including pediatric tests such as HOTV, Preschool Vision Test, and tumbling Es.
• Performs auto-refraction/keratometry and manual keratometry.
• Dials refractive data into phoropter.
• Instills eye drops for dilation and tonometry; performs non-contact tonometry.
• Performs color vision tests, stereo vision test, Amsler Grid.
• Able to perform additional ancillary testing including (not limited to) automated perimetry (FDT and Humphrey VF), Ocular Imaging including OCT, Retina Photography, Corneal Topography.
• Maintains Contact Lens inventory, ordering of trial lenses, and places Contact Lens orders.
• Books Contact Lens appointments, discusses applicable fess with patients and takes payments.
• Handles hard and soft contact lenses, including cleaning and power measurement, able to train contact lens insertion and removal.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area; organizes equipment, instruments, and supplies in exam room, nursing stations and special procedures rooms.
• Uses electronic medical records system to schedule or cancel patient appointments.
• Performs other related duties as directed, including answering and screen telephone calls, taking messages if needed; performs photocopying, faxing and light typing on occasion.
• Assist Optometrist during eye examination as needed.
• Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.

Basic Qualifications

Experience

• N/A

Education

• Completion of a program in Optometric or Ophthalmic Office assisting with certification and six months experience OR twelve months of equivalent experience required. High School Diploma or GED required.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements

• Experience in Optometry or Ophthalmology medical office.
• Ability to work effectively with the public.
• Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of sterile technique, medical terminology, universal precautions.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of recent work experience in Optometric or Ophthalmic setting and experience in a customer service environment.
• Familiarity with ophthalmic diseases, medications, procedures, and instruments.

Notes

• This role will support both Optometry, Ophthalmology and will also provide assistance in the Chester building and other departments as needed.