Certified Optometry Assistant; On-Call

Certified Optometry Assistant

Kaiser Permanente Northwest

To assist and support doctors of optometry in a collaborative relationship to provide patients with optimum levels of general optometric care. Under the direct supervision of the doctor, this role provides technical and support assistance to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the doctors of optometry.

• Accurately record patients' medical and visual history, review and prepare other clinical information (PST, Medicare refresh, etc.) for doctor(s). Take and record patient vitals when indicated in EMR. Perform appropriate pre‑testing, such as but not limited to assessing gross visual skills, extraocular muscle action and pupillary reflexes. Perform OCT, visual fields and diabetic photos. Maintain accurate records and reports as instructed by the doctor.
  
  Instill eye‑drops when ordered by the doctor. Assist in therapeutic procedures such as foreign body removal.
• Receive and process phone calls and other patient communication; assess the nature of the situation and manage triage accordingly. Manage all aspects of doctor(s) schedule, including booking appointments.
• Maintain diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and equipment to ensure that they are clean and accurate. Assess condition of instruments and arrange for repair and/or recalibration as necessary. Maintain instruments and medications for ophthalmic therapeutics; ensure that instruments and medications are available and sterile.
• Respond to patient concerns and resolve or forward them to the proper person or area for resolution.
• Coordinate patient optometric care with optical dispensing, membership services, family practice, ophthalmology, pharmacy and other KP departments and services.
• Follow all KP policies, procedures, and behavior guidelines and standards for the treatment of members and confidentiality of their care. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum one (1) year back‑office clinical experience directly supporting a medical provider OR completion of an accredited clinical assistant program (e.g., MA, CNA, LPN, dental assistant, or patient care tech), AND willingness to participate in on‑the‑job training in KP's optometry training program.

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

• Paraoptometric Technician Certificate within 24 months of hire from the American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 24 months of hire from the American Optometric Association OR Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate within 24 months of hire from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Ophthalmic Technician Certificate within 24 months of hire from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
• Registered Medical Assistant (Washington) within 2 months of hire.

• Demonstrated experience and competence with ophthalmic instruments, including: auto‑refractor, auto‑lensometer, non‑contact tonometer, Titmus vision tester, Snellen chart, visual acuity projector, and visual field testing equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of instruments and equipment for preliminary testing, ancillary testing and in the application of eye‑drops.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a professional environment within a managed practice organization. Familiarity with optometric and optical terminology.
• Familiarity with optometric instruments and equipment.

• Two (2) years of previous experience in optometric or other ophthalmic practice.
• Basic knowledge of Kaiser Permanente policies, procedures and philosophy and culture.
• Thorough knowledge of basic science and optics, familiarity with optometric and/or ophthalmic procedures related to preliminary testing.
• Basic knowledge of instillation of optometric diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceuticals as applied to the practice of optometry.
• Working knowledge of Health Connect.

• Travel locations:
  Skyline, Beaverton, Sunset, Tanasbourne, Clackamas, Interstate, Rockwood, Orchards, Salmon Creek.