Optician, Dispensing

About the Role

To provide direct service to members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in the form of comprehensive, high-quality optical dispensing and contact lens dispensing services.

• Optical Dispensing includes: preparation of orders for prescription eyewear, fitting and adjusting glasses and other vision appliances, lifestyle dispensing, and instructing patients for selection of attractive eyeglass frames.
• Contact Lens Dispensing includes: assisting and supporting doctors of optometry, providing optimum care to contact lens patients, ensuring prescriptions are ordered, received, and dispensed as prescribed, instructing patients on proper use and maintenance of contact lenses, assisting in managing and coordinating schedules, charting, and patient flow, maintaining inventory of contact lenses and supplies, and handling patient inquiries via telephone.

Responsibilities

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low vision devices through direct patient interaction.
• Interpret written optometric prescriptions and analyze alternatives to make recommendations to patients.
• Measure and calculate fitting and fabrication specifications, advising patients on available ophthalmic materials and recommending favorable combinations based on clinical and personal preferences.
• Interview patients to ascertain occupational, lifestyle, and cosmetic needs, advising on comfort, cosmetic, and safety options.
• Accurately measure and shape lenses, adjust frames using ophthalmic equipment, and operate Point-of-Sale computer terminals to enter prescription and sales information.
• Ensure members receive quality ophthalmic products and courteous, professional service, resolving issues related to patient concerns, vision needs, and optical lab limitations.
• Maintain relevant documentation and promote professionalism through continuing education and affiliation with professional associations.
• Manage and protect program assets, including inventory, funds, tools, and merchandise.
• Support program doctors and staff to enhance member service and achieve departmental goals.
• Provide instructions to patients on handling, care, application, and removal of contact lenses, including hygiene and warning signs of problems.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of fees and benefits for contact lens services and explain them effectively to patients.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures, manage phone calls from patients, assess situations, and triage accordingly.
• Accurately fill contact lens prescriptions, order lenses, inspect lenses for accuracy, and notify patients for pickup.
• Maintain accurate records and reports for the Contact Lens Department, update patient clinical records, and prepare charts for appointments.
• Verify and update patients' Vision Care Benefits and utilization history in the Common Membership System (CMS).
• Prepare, analyze, update, and maintain daily and month-end business reports and invoices.
• Coordinate ordering of supplies and collaborate with other Kaiser Permanente departments to deliver optimum patient care.
• Participate in training appointment clerks for scheduling and screening contact lens appointments.
• Maintain instruments and equipment in the Contact Lens Department, ensuring accuracy and arranging for repairs as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a dispensing or fabricating optician.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in optometric or optical practice where contact lenses have been dispensed or current Kaiser Permanente Contact Lens experience.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.
• American Board of Opticianry Basic Certification within 24 months of hire.

Skills

• Working knowledge of ophthalmic dispensing theory and practice.
• Working knowledge of contact lens equipment and instrumentation.
• Basic mathematics and familiarity with optometry and ophthalmology terminology.
• Thorough product knowledge, including lens materials, designs, coatings, frame structure, adjustment techniques, and contact lens materials and fitting processes.
• Ability to operate dispensing equipment (lens hand edger, lensometer, frame warmer, pupilometer, zyl hinge repair unit, and various optical hand tools).
• Proficiency in use of equipment and instrumentation used in contact lens practice.
• Operation of basic office machines (photocopier, 10-key, card imprinter, and computer keyboard).
• Effective customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective selling skills and ability to tactfully influence patient choices.
• Ability to work in a high-volume department, prioritize multiple tasks, and respond effectively to requests.
• Basic optical lab finishing skills and experience with contact lens measuring and modification instruments (radiuscope, peak scope, diameter and thickness gauges, lensometer, and contact lens modification unit).
• Ability to operate electric and butane soldering units.
• Ability to use basic computer applications (spreadsheets and word processing).

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of Optical Laboratory experience or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in optometry or optical practice where contact lenses have been dispensed.
• Recent contact lens dispensing experience.
• Thorough knowledge of Kaiser Permanente Vision Care Program, policies, procedures, behavior guidelines, and familiarity with HMO concepts.
• Comprehensive knowledge of optical theory, ocular treatment, and product knowledge.
• Working knowledge of Kaiser Permanente computer systems pertinent to the role.
• Fitting consultation training (color and frame fashion).
• Excellent interpersonal and retail optical sales skills.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Shift: Day, Monday through Friday.
• Working Hours: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM.

Pay

$29.15 - $40.34 per hour.