Technician, Ophthalmic

Kaiser Permanente; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente is seeking an Ophthalmic Technician in Vancouver, Washington to assist in patient care within established ophthalmology procedures. You will screen patients, perform ophthalmic testing, support physicians during exams and minor surgery, and maintain exam lanes and instruments.

Ideal candidates have two years of ophthalmic tech experience, WA Medical Assistant registration within 2 months, and BLS within 1 month. Strong English communication and computer skills are required.

Qualifications

• Two years of Ophthalmic Technician experience.
• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) within 1 month of hire.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and ophthalmic terminology.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients for chief complaint and document history.
• Perform ophthalmic testing and measurements (vision, IOP, refraction).
• Assist doctors during examinations and minor procedures.
• Prepare lanes, sterilize instruments, and maintain supplies.
• Document in EMR and communicate with patients and staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Ophthalmic terminology

Computer literacy

Keyboarding

English communication

Tools

EpicCare EMR

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary:

Assist with the provision of patient care within established policies and procedures to serve the needs of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care program. Provides care to a population with predictable ophthalmic needs and assists the providers in caring for more acute needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Screen patients for chief compliant, take accurate history of Ophthalmic illnesses/surgeries, past ocular history, family history, and current eye related medications. Perform Ophthalmic testing as appropriate for the patient. This includes, but is not limited to the ability to check/document distance and near vision. Must be able to perform papillary assessment to rule out afferent defect and check pupil size (rule out pupillary asymmetry), corneal curvature (K readings) and color vision testing. Must be able to perform lensometry, including reading lenses with multifocal and progressive adds, power of sphere, axis of cylinder power and orientation of prism. Perform intraocular pressure checks using Applanation tonometry and also using the Tonopen. Perform confrontation visual fields. Must be able to perform cover/uncover test, alternate cover test and quantify strabismus; must be able to document ocular motility and the presence of strabismus or nystagmus. Must be able to perform Worth 4 dot test and Stereopsis test. Must be able to test near point of convergence, ductions, versions and vergences. Must be able to perform Potential Acuity Meter testing, Glare testing. Must demonstrate ability to check/recognize narrow angle. Instill dilating drops (and other ophthalmic drops) per physicians instructions. Take and record patient vitals when indicated in the EMR.

• Visual fields: Must perform calibration of automated perimeters, and must be able to perform automated perimetry. Maintain a working knowledge of automated perimetry, and be able to perform Amsler Grid testing.

• Must be able to perform OCT and HRT. Must be able to use IOL master and any other A scan programs for biometry readings.

• Assist doctors during examination as needed. Prepare for, set up and assist in minor surgery, and all types of laser procedures. Must be familiar with preoperative and pre-laser patient education. Apply eye dressings, protective shields as directed by the doctor. Always must be willing to assist patients in clinic areas.

• Set up and provide physician assistance with intravitreal injections.

• Per standard guidelines, clean exam lanes and minor surgical instruments. Prepare for the sterilization process either utilizing the clinic sterilizer following sterilizing protocol, or preparing instruments to be sent out for sterilization per standard protocol. Responsible for room maintenance including routing cleaning of exam lanes, and daily validation of expiration dates of dilating and other ophthalmic drops. Keep exam rooms well stocked with appropriate instruments, as well as patient handouts, and any other equipment, etc., as required by physicians.

• Maintain instruments and triage appropriately when instruments are in need of repair or replacement. Open exam lanes in the AM and close exam lanes in the PM. Provide administrative assistance and support as required, assisting administrative team as necessary. Assist in other clinic functions as necessary, including making appointments, preparing retina photography charts, or any other general duty as needed.

• Perform clerical duties to assist in maintaining departmental records and as directed by the assigned provider. Ensure that all relevant sections of the EMR are completed, and always kept up to date and current.

• Communicate via telephone with patients, other departments and other physicians as necessary. Record messages and refer to appropriate person as required. Answer patient service questions. Report patient complaints, or unusual symptoms, questions regarding treatment, medications, etc., and other questions to licensed personnel. Complete and distribute forms regarding patient examinations and treatment, medical information, consultations, etc. Prepare basic support care duties following established policies and procedures. Maintain adequate quantities of medical and clerical supplies. Assist with pharmacy order as required; relay prescriptions to any pharmacy as directed by physician.

• Maintain patient care areas and nurse station in a sanitary orderly condition. Prepare examining rooms for next patient after each use. Set up for examination or treatment following established procedures. Ensure sterile condition of examination, treatment, and testing instruments as appropriate.

• Attend and participate in continuing education and in-service programs, staff, team and other meetings as assigned. Complete and maintain Compliance and Safety modules and KPNW Behavior Standards as required. Maintain current confidentiality documentation. Adhere to Regional and Departmental policies and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Two (2) years of full time employment functioning in an Ophthalmic Technician capacity under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist, and/or successful completion of a JCAHPO accredited Ophthalmic Medical Technology program.

Education

• N/A

License, Certification, Registration

• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire

• Basic Life Support within 1 months of hire

Additional Requirements:

• Proven record of attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Broad knowledge base of ophthalmic terminology.

• Basic computer knowledge and skills.

• Proficient and accurate keyboarding skills.

• Must be able to communicate both in writing and orally in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three-five+ (3-5+) years of functioning in an Ophthalmic Technician capacity under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist/or in a Group Ophthalmological practice/environment.

• Broad based ophthalmic technician experience preferred.

• Familiarity with EpicCare or electronic based medical records system preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites preferred.

• Ability to perform Goldmann visual fields. COA, COT, or COMT certification through JCAHPO (Joint Commission on Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology).

Notes:

• Travel locations include: Longview, Salmon Creek, Clackamas, Central Interstate, Tanasbourne, & Salem.

COMPANY: KAISER

TITLE: Technician, Ophthalmic

LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington

REQNUMBER: 1445164

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status.