Vision Services Assistant II

Kaiser Permanente; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Eye Services is seeking a Vision Services Assistant to support ophthalmology and optometry teams. You will perform objective tests, prepare patient records, and assist with scheduling and minor eye procedures in a fast-paced clinic.

The role emphasizes accurate testing, good communication, and teamwork while ensuring smooth clinic operations and patient flow.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of ophthalmic testing experience.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or equivalent cert.
• Basic Life Support certification preferred.
• Strong ophthalmic terminology and procedures knowledge.
• Good verbal and written communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Measure intraocular pressure and other objective tests.
• Record results and prepare patient medical information.
• Assist with scheduling, tests, and minor procedures.
• Register patients and manage clerical duties as needed.
• Maintain equipment, supplies and inventory in Eye Services.

Skills

Ophthalmic testing

Tonometry

Visual acuity testing

Autorefraction

Ophthalmic equipment

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) training

Tools

Electronic medical records (EMR)

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 the Eye Services operation, while working under the direct supervision of the Chief of Ophthalmology or designee(s). The V.S.A.s primary role will be to enhance to provider interactions with their customers utilizing specific knowledge, objective ophthalmic testing and practicing special technical skills in the Eye Services specialty. The VSA will maximize opportunities for flexible operations within vision services by assisting with provider visits as well as supporting department operations with clerical services (e.g., making appointments, scheduling surgical procedures, taking messages, registering patients, etc.).

Essential Responsibilities:

• Measures and records intraocular pressure (tonometry), neutralization of spectacles (lensometry), automated visual fields, autorefraction (in preparation for the subjective refraction by the provider), autokeratometry, anterior chamber angles, vital signs and pupillary response and other objective ophthalmic testing procedures.
• Measures complete visual acuitys for all ages and ocular diagnoses, including Snellen charts, HOTV charts, color vision and stereopsis.
• Administers topical eye medications per specific physician order in preparation for testing as permitted by state law and regulation.
• Performs other objective ophthalmic testing and automated image capture, as indicated.
• Makes and cancels Optometry, Ophthalmology, medical clearances and diagnostic appointments.
• Obtains and prepares the appropriate medical information (records, files, forms, diagnostic results) for the provider.
• Records relevant medical information for the provider (i.e., assessments, plans, interventions, and spectacles) completes forms and other necessary data entry.
• Documents concise and relevant medical and ocular histories in the medical record Electronically, set up lab, x-ray and other requisitions, as needed.
• Labels specimen and Pathology Requests forms.
• Documents the specimens using departmental specific procedures.
• Sets up and assists with minor surgical procedures of the eye, as needed by setting up supplies, handling instruments, etc.
• Anticipate provider needs (preparation of supplies, instruments and equipment).
• Cleans (changing cleaning solutions, as needed), wraps, labels and re-stocks instruments.
• Maintains equipment and orders/stocks supplies.
• Orders and maintains inventory par levels of supplies, forms, medications, etc. as needed.
• Keeps work area clean.
• Sets-up and assists with minor surgical procedures of the eye, as needed, by setting up supplies, handling instruments, etc.
• Anticipates provider needs (preparation of supplies, instruments and equipment).
• Calls patients with messages from providers and documents disposition.
• Documents, updates and processes records relating to provider appointments.
• Performs surgical scheduling functions, as needed.
• Participates in training and orientation of new personnel.
• Performs other related duties as necessary.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
• Compliance Accountability: Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other

Grade 355

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Must have a minimum of two (2) years (1,000 hours or more per year) recent experience in conducting objective ophthalmic testing on a regular basis, including but not limited to, experience in several of the following procedures: visual acuity testing, non-contact or contact tonometry, visual fields testing, lensometry, testing or color deficiency and depth perception or autorefraction.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED.

License, Certification, Registration

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant OR Certified Ophthalmic Technician
• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements:

• Must be proficient in ophthalmic procedures and testing as required by the employer.
• Must have knowledge of medical and ophthalmological terminology.
• Must successfully complete PARRS II, AutoReg (where applicable), and be able to work with 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 teams required.
• Knowledge of computer and computer keyboard.
• Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
• Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.