Optician, Dispensing Float

Kaiser Permanente • Vancouver, WA

138d

About The Position

To provide direct service to members of the Kaiser Permanente Health Plan in the form of comprehensive, high quality optical dispensing services including preparation of orders for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting of glasses and other vision appliances and instructing patients in selection of attractive eyeglass frames.

Requirements

• Minimum three (3) years as a dispensing or fabricating optician.
• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• Familiarity with optometric and ophthalmologic terminology.
• Thorough knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing theory and practice sufficient to qualify for the ABO certification exam.
• Basic mathematics skills.
• Ability to demonstrate thorough product knowledge, including lens materials, designs and coatings, frame structure and adjustment techniques.
• Ability to operate dispensing equipment, including lens hand edger, lensometer, frame warmer, electric and butane soldering units, pupilometer, zyl hinge repair unit, and various optical hand tools.
• Operation of basic office machines (photocopier, 10-key, card imprinter, and computer keyboard).
• Human relations skills, especially oral and written communication.
• Ability to demonstrate effective selling skills and tactfully influence patient choices.
• Operation of multi-port personal computer, including data entry, retrieval and backup.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years optometric assistant experience in a clinical setting.
• One (1) year Optical Laboratory or equivalent.
• American Board of Opticianry certification and/or Washington Dispensing license.
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of optical theory, ocular treatment, and product knowledge.
• Thorough knowledge of Kaiser Permanente Vision Care Program, behavior guidelines, and familiarity with HMO concepts.
• Fitting consultation training (color and frame fashion).
• Use and care of tools and equipment used in optical dispensing.
• Basic optical lab finishing skills.
• Sound interpersonal and retail optical sales skills.
• Able and willing to cross-train in the procedures for contact lens dispensing.
• Two (2) years of college level optical technology program or equivalent apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including the design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low vision devices.
• Accomplish services in direct interaction with the patient utilizing a doctor's prescription, taking and recording various anatomical measurements and obtaining information supplied by the patient.
• Dispense and maintain ophthalmic eyewear during subsequent visits by the patient.
• Interpret written optometric prescriptions and analyze the various alternatives by which it can be filled in order to make recommendations to the patient.
• Measure and calculate fitting and fabrication specifications.
• Advise the patient concerning available ophthalmic materials.
• Recommend the most favorable combination of factors for each eyeglass order to meet clinical requirements and patient preferences.
• Prepare fabrication specifications accordingly.
• Interview patients to ascertain occupational, lifestyle, and cosmetic needs.
• Advise patients regarding comfort, cosmetic and safety options, including frame shape, material, color, lens styles, materials, colors, tints and other accessories and treatments.
• Accurately measure and shape lenses and adjust frames utilizing ophthalmic equipment including hand edgers, lensometer, pupilometer, soldering machines, and precision hand tools.
• Ensure that members receive quality ophthalmic products and courteous, professional service.
• Maintain product quality assurance including accurate and precise lens fabrication meeting providers and opticians specifications and conforming to ANSI and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Resolve issues common in optical practice, including member concerns, perceived patient vision needs, optical lab fabrication limitations, and patient to provider communication.
• Maintain relevant documentation.
• Promote competence and professionalism by maintaining proficiency in contemporary dispensing skills and updating product knowledge through regular participation in continuing education programs.
• Project a positive image of Kaiser Permanente Eyecare Services at all times.
• Manage and protect all program assets, including inventory, funds, tools, and sundry sales merchandise.
• Support the activities of program doctors and fellow staff members in enhancing member service and achieving departmental goals.
• Participate in cross-training, sharing duties with others and assisting Supervisor in special projects.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Education Level: High school or GED