Licensed Dispensing Optician (40 hours/week Silverdale)

Optician Dispensing

The Licensed Dispensing Optician supports the Optometry and Ophthalmology teams by providing high-quality optical and contact lens dispensing services, including interpreting prescriptions, preparing and fabricating eyewear, and expertly fitting and adjusting glasses and other optical devices. This role guides patients in frame selection, ensures accurate ordering and dispensing of eyewear and contact lenses, provides patient education on proper use and care, and assists providers with patient eyewear related concerns. The optician may also train and support unlicensed staff, maintain inventory, and deliver exceptional service to members and non-members.

Essential Responsibilities:

• The Licensed Dispensing Optician provides comprehensive optical dispensing services by interpreting written prescriptions, assessing patient lifestyle and visual needs, and guiding patients in the selection of frames, lenses, and lens treatments. The optician obtains and records necessary measurements, including pupillary distances, segment heights, base curves, and frame dimensions, using tools such as lensometers, pupilometers, frame warmers, and precision hand instruments. The optician prepares and submits accurate spectacle orders, dispenses completed eyewear, performs detailed fittings and adjustments, and provides follow up services to ensure comfort, safety, and optimal visual performance. Services include repairing eyewear, evaluating product quality using ANSI Z80.1 standards, and determining when prism, bicentric grinding, or prescription updates are required.
• The Licensed Dispensing Optician delivers contact lens services by gathering patient history, identifying visual requirements, and discussing lens options. Responsibilities include inserting and removing trial lenses, verifying lens parameters, educating patients on proper wear and hygiene, and dispensing lenses in accordance with provider prescriptions. The optician maintains accurate clinical and administrative contact lens records, confirms benefits, manages recalls, and supports optometrists during contact lens evaluations and related clinical workflows.
• Fabrication responsibilities include shaping, edging, and verifying lenses using ophthalmic equipment such as automatic and manual edgers, hand edgers, lensometers, and soldering equipment. The optician conducts quality assurance checks on all products prior to dispensing, ensuring they meet optical specifications, ANSI standards, and provider requirements. They also clean, calibrate, and maintain dispensing equipment, coordinating repairs and ensuring all devices remain accurate and safe for clinical use.
• The Licensed Dispensing Optician provides patient-facing support through effective communication, clear education, and accurate benefit explanation. This includes answering calls and messages, assessing patient concerns, resolving service issues, and providing instructions on eyewear use, maintenance, and follow up care. The optician collaborates closely with Optometry, Ophthalmology, Membership Services, and other Kaiser Permanente departments to ensure coordinated, timely care that supports a seamless patient experience.
• Administrative responsibilities include maintaining inventories, documenting services, managing daily and month end reports, and accurately entering prescription and sales information into the POS and electronic systems. The optician maintains frame boards and displays, monitors stock and backorders, and ensures all products remain clean, organized, and visually appealing. Responsibilities also include handling funds, safeguarding inventory and tools, and ensuring compliance with Kaiser Permanente policies, safety standards, and confidentiality expectations.
• The Licensed Dispensing Optician provides leadership and support to unlicensed optical staff by offering direct supervision during measurements, fittings, adjustments, and by serving as a technical resource on optical materials, lens geometry, and product selection. The optician contributes to departmental goals by engaging in cross-training, assisting with onboarding and training of new staff, participating in ongoing professional development, and supporting sales and service initiatives consistent with Kaiser Permanentes Service Quality Credo.
• This position adheres to all Kaiser Permanente quality, safety, infection prevention, and regulatory standards. The optician ensures accurate patient identification, safe handling of products and equipment, and appropriate documentation of services. Equipment, tools, and workspaces are maintained in a clean and safe condition, and safety hazards or incidents are reported promptly.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• One (1) year ophthalmic dispensing experience.
• One (1) year demonstrated sales experience.

Education:

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

License, Certification, Registration:

• Dispensing Optician License (Washington) required at hire

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to educate patients and staff on ophthalmic dispensing principles, including spectacle lens geometry, lens materials, and lifestyle-based product recommendations.
• Proven skill in performing comprehensive optical quality checks with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to ANSI standards.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, coworkers, providers, vendors, and other departments in person and by telephone.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Windows based software systems.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English and to give, receive, and follow detailed instructions.
• Strong mathematical skills, organizational ability, and sustained concentration and alertness required for precise measurements, documentation, and product verification.
• Knowledge of optical terminology and basic medical terminology relevant to ophthalmic and optometric care.
• Excellent customer service skills with a focus on patient satisfaction, clear communication, and culturally sensitive care.

Preferred Qualifications:

• National Contact Lens Examiner - Basic Certification.
• American Board of Opticianry Basic Certification.
• Optical dispensary, ophthalmology/optometry practice or other optical related experience.
• Graduate of an accredited optician program.