Optometrist

Primary Function

Applicant provides general optometric services, which would include refraction, dilation, biometry measurements, contact lens fitting services, and acute and chronic eye disease management for patients at the Cherokee Indian Hospital and outlying clinics. Responsible for a full range of clinical optometric diagnosis and treatment for all of the most prevalent types of vision dysfunctions, with special emphasis on the geriatric patients' needs such as diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma and the detection/referral of patients with ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic disease such as carotid disease.

Job Description

• Oversees patient diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vision problems and diseases.
• Performs tests for possible sight related problems and diseases.
• Prescribes glasses and contact lenses; prescribes rehabilitation of the impaired eyes.
• Examines, diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as diagnoses related systemic conditions.
• Performs examinations for both the internal and external structures of the eye, and subjective and objective tests to evaluate vision; analyzes the test findings; diagnoses and determines appropriate treatments; communicates and educates patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical procedures and terminology especially related to eyes and vision
• Interpersonal/human relations skills
• Analytical skills
• Attentiveness to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Responsibilities

Independently perform the full range of optometric procedures and instrumentation techniques with little or no guidance or consultation. They perform such duties as:

• Interviewing (and securing or reviewing case histories of) patients and conducting examinations;
• Analyzing visual functions -- far acuity, near acuity, field of vision, depth of perception, ocular coordination, and color perception;
• Using objective and subjective methods for the detection of evidence of ocular and systemic disease apparent in the eyes and recommending the referral of cases for medical or other diagnosis;
• Performing refractions to assess the degree of hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia and other visual deficiencies requiring correction;
• Prescribing subnormal vision aids, contact and conventional lenses, and corrective eye exercises; and
• Verifying new prescriptions and determining previous prescriptions worn by patients through the process of neutralizing lenses by use of the lensometer or vertometer.
• Determining previous prescriptions of various kinds for unusual visual deficiencies (i.e., subnormal vision aids and contact lenses), in addition to conventional lenses, by use of the lensometer, vertometer, keratometer, or other specialized instruments
• Planning, developing, and adjusting the various elements of the optometry program to meet the needs of the hospital or clinic and patients served;
• Maintaining liaison with, and providing advisory services to, personnel of other professional disciplines on patient or program problems of overlapping or mutual interest; and
• Maintaining proper records and making necessary reports.
• Applying procedures for the detection of neuromuscular impairment or anomalies of binocular function and their correction;
• Providing or referring for orthoptics and visual training for the correction of strabismus (squint or crossed eyes) and in the development or reeducation of the visual skills for the improvement of visual performance;

Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to provide optometry care to patients throughout various wards and clinics of the hospital using standard equipment and treatment. The work contributes to the further treatment provided by the physicians and nurses.

Education/Experience

• Degree of doctor of optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry.
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges of the United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Licensed to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Must obtain North Carolina Licensure within 1 year after initial hire.
• Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration.
• Two years of optometric practice or its equivalent preferred
  1. One year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of 2 years of practice.
• The optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Preferred:

Supervision Received

Optometrist receives guidance primarily in the form of guidelines and general policy directives from the Executive Director of Clinical Services and Chief of Optometry.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Government regulations, Tribal regulations, compliance with grants, and third-party payers require the submitting of accurate patient information to allow for appropriate reimbursement for patient visits. The submission of false or inaccurate information would place the agency at risk for fraudulent claims.

Confidential Data

The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, mandates that the optometrist shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action.

Mental/Visual/Physical

The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to utilize optometric equipment. The optometrist must often lift and reposition patients for treatment. Position is subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses and deadlines. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds.

Environment

All functions related to this position are normally performed within the hospital, clinic or office setting. Incidental use of a government vehicle may occur requiring a valid state driver's license. Occasional travel by car and air is required.

Scope of Supervision

Optometrist is required to supervise multiple staff members / employees from diverse specialty fields and knowledge of operations. Optometrist may act as contracting officer for projects of communication and information systems. Applicant may act as 'indirect' supervisor of employees of different tribal programs working on projects concerning the CIH. In collaboration with the Clinical Director or designee, the employee will develop and monitor performance expectations for the department and staff.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA's guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.