Optician, Dispensing Float

Job Summary

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.

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low‑vision devices. Services are accomplished in direct interaction with the patient utilizing a doctor’s prescription, taking and recording various anatomical measurements and obtaining information supplied by the patient. Subsequent visits by the patient involve dispensing and maintenance of ophthalmic eyewear.
• 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 and recommend the most favorable combination of the above factors for each eyeglass order to meet the clinical requirements and the patient's personal preferences.
  
  Prepare fabrication specifications accordingly. Interview patient to ascertain occupational, lifestyle, and cosmetic needs. Advise patient regarding comfort, cosmetic and safety options, including frame shape, frame 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. Product quality assurance includes accurate and precise lens fabrication meeting provider and optician specifications and conformance to ANSI and other applicable regulatory requirements. Service involves resolving 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, updating product knowledge through regular participation in continuing education programs and affiliation with professional associations.
  
  Project a positive image of Kaiser Permanente Eyecare Services at all times.
• Responsibly manage and protect and account for 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. Display a positive team spirit by participating in cross‑training, sharing duties with others and assisting the supervisor in special projects.

• 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.
• Able 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.

• Two (2) years optometric assistant experience in a clinical setting.
• One (1) year optical laboratory or…