Optometric Assistant, Gaithersburg

Kaiser Permanente; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant to support optometrists with clinical tasks and patient intake. You will perform initial work-ups, operate vision testing equipment, and assist during examinations. Strong data-entry and patient communication skills are essential.

Experience with visual acuity testing, lensometry, auto-refraction, and tonometry is preferred. A High School diploma or GED is required, with several ophthalmic certifications obtainable within

Qualifications

• Minimum one year performing patient work-ups including visual testing and lensometry.
• Familiarity with auto-refraction and non-contact tonometry.
• Knowledge of teaching/contact lens handling and demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Greets patients, enters data into medical records and escorts to the exam room.
• Interviews patients to obtain symptoms and documents in medical records.
• Uses specialized equipment to test vision and ocular health.
• Provides test results to the provider and flags abnormal findings.
• Assists optometrist during examinations and post-diagnosis counseling.
• Explains spectacle/contact lens options to patients and teaches insertion/removal.
• Cleans and maintains equipment and work area; performs related duties.

Skills

Visual acuities

Lensometry

Auto-refraction

Non-contact tonometry

Contact lens teaching

Patient data entry

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Lensometry equipment

Autorefractor

Non-contact tonometer

Job description

Job Summary:

Performs initial work-up and specialized tests for optometry patients. Assists optometrists with clinical tasks as directed by the optometrist.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Greets patients, enters data into medical records, and escorts patients to examination room.


• Interviews each patient to obtain information about symptoms and documents information provided by patient in medical record.


• Uses specialized equipment to test patients vision and condition.


• Provides test results to provider and brings attention to abnormal results.


• Assists optometrist to conduct examinations as directed.


• Assists patients to understand spectacle and contact lens options following diagnosis by optometrist.


• Cleans and maintains specialized equipment and work areas.


• Performs other related duties as directed.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year experience doing patient work-ups to include visual acuities, manual and automated lensometry, auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry and knowledge of contact lenses including the teaching of insertion and removal classes or completion of inter-departmental training program emphasizing above skills developed by the Optometry department.

Education

• High School Diploma OR General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant within 6 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Paraoptometric Technician Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association

Additional Requirements:

• Successfully demonstrated proficiency on initial skills assessment during the interview process.


• Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BLS Certification preferred.