Optician, Advanced/Contact Lens Technician

Job Summary

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, life-style dispensing and instructing patients for selection of attractive eyeglass frames. Contact Lens Dispensing includes: assisting and supporting the doctors of optometry and providing optimum care to Contact Lens patients; ensuring that all prescriptions are ordered, received, and dispensed as prescribed; instructing patients on proper use and maintenance of contact lenses; assisting contact lens optometrists in managing and coordinating schedules, charting, and patient flow; maintaining inventory of contact lenses and supplies; answering telephones, evaluating calls received, responding to patient inquiries, and routing calls as needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide ophthalmic eyewear services, including: the design, ordering, dispensing, fitting, adjusting, and repairing of eyeglasses and low vision devices. Services are accomplished in direct interaction with the patient utilizing a doctors 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. Recommend the most favorable combination of the above factors for each eyeglass order to meet the clinical requirements and the patients 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. Operate Point-of-Sale computer terminal to enter prescription and sales information into the automated processing and information system.
• Insure that members receive quality ophthalmic products and courteous, professional service. Product quality assurance includes accurate and precise lens fabrication meeting providers and opticians specifications and conforming 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 Eye Care Services at all times.
• Responsibly manage and protect and account for all program assets, including; inventory, funds, tools, 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 Optical Manager in special projects.
• Provide specific instructions to individual patients and groups on correct handling and care of contact lenses. Teach patients correct application and removal of contact lenses, proper hygiene, how to clean lenses, warning signs of developing problems, and the importance of all of these factors as they relate to maintaining good eye health and clear vision.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of fees and benefits for contact lens services and effectively explain them to patients. Following all departmental policies, procedures, behavior guidelines, and standards for the treatment of members: Receive and manage phone calls from patients. Based on information elicited from patient, independently assess the nature of the situation, determine type of service or appointment needed, and triage accordingly. Schedule appointment if need is urgent or direct call to Appointment Center to schedule routine appointment. Respond to member inquiries and complaints and resolve or forward to the manager.
• Demonstrate ability to accurately fill patients Contact Lens prescriptions. Order patients lenses from the appropriate outside vendor. Inspect lenses using appropriate instrumentation to verify that prescription and lens parameters are as specified in approved accuracy tables. Notify patient when lenses are ready to be picked up and schedule appointment to dispense lenses.
• Maintain accurate records and reports for the Contact Lens Department. Update all patient clinical records in a neat and accurate manner. Prepare charts for daily appointments. Ensure that the patient fully understands fees involved. Verify and update each patients Vision Care Benefits and utilization history in Common Membership System (CMS). Telephone patient to confirm appointment times and ensure that the patient fully understands fees involved. Verify and update each patients Vision Care Benefits and utilization history in CMS System.
• Prepare, analyze, update, and maintain all daily and month-end business reports and invoices. Check invoices for accuracy and submit to manager for approval and payment. Coordinate ordering of multiple forms and supplies for appropriate clinics.
• Collaborate and coordinate with Optical Dispensing, Optometry, Membership Services, Ophthalmology, and other Kaiser Permanente departments to deliver optimum patient care. Participate in training of appointment clerks to schedule and screen for contact lens appointments. This requires a total understanding of Kaiser policies and procedures and essential knowledge of Vision Care Benefits.
• Maintain instruments and equipment in the Contact Lens Department to ensure accuracy. Clean equipment and instruments on a routine basis. Assess and arrange for repairs and calibration, when necessary.
• Perform other duties as requested.