Vision Services Assistant II

Kaiser Permanente; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in San Jose, California is seeking a Vision Services Assistant to join their Eye Services team. This role involves providing support to ophthalmologists and optometrists as well as assisting with various clerical and operational tasks within the department.

The ideal candidate will have proficiency in ophthalmic testing, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. A High School Diploma or GED along with the relevant certifications is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in ophthalmic testing.
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmological terminology.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Measure and record intraocular pressure and visual acuity.
• Administer topical eye medications.
• Assist with minor surgical procedures in the eye.

Skills

Ophthalmic testing

Communication skills

Teamwork

Computer proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or Technician

Basic Life Support certification

Job description

Job Summary

A Vision Services Assistant (V.S.A.) is a member of the Eye Services team, providing direct support to the providers—ophthalmologists and optometrists—and to the Eye Services operation under the direct supervision of the Chief of Ophthalmology or designee(s). The V.S.A.'s primary role enhances provider interactions with customers utilizing specific knowledge, objective ophthalmic testing, and special technical skills in the Eye Services specialty. The V.S.A. maximizes flexible operations within vision services by assisting with provider visits and supporting department operations with clerical services such as making appointments, scheduling surgical procedures, taking messages, and registering patients.

Essential Responsibilities

• Measure and record intraocular pressure (tonometry), neutralization of spectacles (lensometry), automated visual fields, autorefraction, autokeratometry, anterior chamber angles, vital signs and pupillary response, and other objective ophthalmic testing procedures.
• Measure complete visual acuity for all ages and ocular diagnoses, including Snellen charts, HOTV charts, color vision, and stereopsis.
• Administer topical eye medications per specific physician order in preparation for testing as permitted by state law and regulation.
• Perform other objective ophthalmic testing and automated image capture as indicated.
• Make and cancel Optometry, Ophthalmology, medical clearance, and diagnostic appointments.
• Obtain and prepare appropriate medical information (records, files, forms, diagnostic results) for the provider.
• Record relevant medical information for the provider (assessments, plans, interventions, spectacles), complete forms, and perform other necessary data entry.
• Document concise and relevant medical and ocular histories in the medical record electronically; set up lab, x‑ray, and other requisitions as needed.
• Label specimen and pathology request forms.
• Document specimens using departmental specific procedures.
• Set up and assist with minor surgical procedures of the eye, handling supplies and instruments.
• Anticipate provider needs by preparing supplies, instruments, and equipment.
• Clean, wrap, label, and re‑stock instruments, changing cleaning solutions as needed.
• Maintain equipment and order/stocks supplies.
• Order and maintain inventory par levels of supplies, forms, medications, etc.
• Keep work area clean.
• Call patients with messages from providers and document disposition.
• Document, update, and process records relating to provider appointments.
• Perform surgical scheduling functions as needed.
• Participate in training and orientation of new personnel.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.
• Supervisory responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
• Compliance accountability: consistently demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other.
• Job Grade: 355.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years (1,000 hours or more per year) of recent experience conducting objective ophthalmic testing on a regular basis, including but not limited to visual acuity testing, non‑contact or contact tonometry, visual fields testing, lensometry, color deficiency testing, depth perception, or autorefraction.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or Certified Ophthalmic Technician.
• Basic Life Support certification.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in ophthalmic procedures and testing as required by the employer.
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmological terminology.
• Successful completion of PARRS II and AutoReg (where applicable) and ability to work with an electronic medical record system.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including legible handwriting.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.
• Computer and computer keyboard proficiency.
• Willingness to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
• Refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.

Preferred Qualifications

None specified.

EEO Statement

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.