Optometrist

Position Title:       Optometrist                                                         

Department:         Colusa Indian Optometry Clinic

Reports to:            Director of Clinic Operations      

Classification:       Exempt 

Position Status:     Regular, Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Optometrist provides comprehensive eye and vision care services, including examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual disorders and diseases. This position collaborates with ophthalmic technicians, opticians, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care using advanced diagnostic technology. The Optometrist plans, organizes, develops, administers, directs, and supervises Optometry services in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and organizational policies to ensure the consistent delivery of quality patient care. Effective supervisory skills are needed, along with good communication skills for departmental and inter-departmental relationships. The individual in this position must have initiative, be innovative, and possess a sense of responsibility, integrity and sound judgement.

The incumbent is expected to work in accordance with the mission, purpose, and values of the Colusa Indian Community Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collaborate with ophthalmic technicians, opticians, administrative staff, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, high-quality patient care.
2. Perform comprehensive eye and vision tests to evaluate visual acuity, perception, focus, and coordination, utilizing our advanced digital lane equipment.
3. Identify sight problems (e.g., myopia, astigmatism) and diagnose ocular diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, leveraging high-resolution imaging and topography tools.
4. Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system; prescribe approved therapeutic medications to treat eye conditions, infections, allergies, or minor injuries as permitted by state law.
5. Prescribe, fit, adjust, and educate patients on the proper use and care of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other corrective visual aids.
6. Detect signs of systemic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, through ocular examinations and coordinate referrals with other healthcare providers as appropriate.
7. Counsel and educate patients on proper visual hygiene, contact lens maintenance, safety factors, and preventative care.
8. Obtain and document comprehensive patient medical and ocular histories, including current medications and relevant health conditions.
9. Provide timely assessment and treatment of ocular emergencies in accordance with established clinical standards and protocols; refer patients to board-certified Ophthalmologist;
10. May perform other duties commensurate with the functions and level of the position.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.
• Must be familiar with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: One (1) year of experience as a practicing Optometrist in a clinical setting is preferred; however, qualified new graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Education: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited optometry school.
• Licensure: Current and valid optometry license in good standing.
  

SUPERVISORIAL DUTIES: None

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Good organization and time management skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Familiar with ICD-10, CPT-4 codes, the health insurance industry and EOB's;
• Attention to detail with the ability to multi-task;
• Exceptional customer service skills;
• Is tactful, poised, pleasant and diplomatic, exhibiting a positive, professional demeanor to peers, patients, physicians and visitors. Promotes team image and possesses a high degree of flexibility;
• Demonstrates cooperation and consideration of other health team members and peers;
• Must be organized, flexible and versatile with the ability to function effectively in stressful situations;
• Must be eager and enthusiastic in promoting the general philosophy of the facility;
• Dedicated hard worker with ability to report to work on a daily basis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing in a standard office setting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read printed materials and a computer screen with ability to adjust focus;
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to (50) pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed in an office setting which is well-lit, ventilated, and temperature controlled. The noise level is usually low to moderate.