Optometrist

This is a 5 year contract with the Indian Health Service

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care

-Deliver high-quality primary and comprehensive eye care services, including prescribing corrective lenses, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory studies.

-Perform advanced optometric techniques for unusual or complex visual and ocular disorders.

-Diagnose and manage visual and ocular problems through internal and external examinations of the eye and adnexa.

-Utilize ophthalmic therapeutic medicines and oral medications to manage ocular pathology and trauma.

-Conduct minor surgical procedures, such as anterior segment foreign body removal, corneal debridement, and suture removal.

Specialized Services

-Provide emergency eye care and manage systemic and ocular conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and systemic retinal pathology.

-Participate in specialty clinics and programs, including low vision, contact lens fitting, geriatric care, and other specific patient needs.

-Refer patients for diagnosis and treatment as required, coordinating with external health services as necessary.

Education and Consultation

-Provide patient and family education regarding ocular health and chronic conditions.

-Serve as a resource for other healthcare professionals, offering specialty consultations and contributing to the overall patient care team.

-Supervise and mentor student optometry interns and residents as applicable.

Administrative Responsibilities

-Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records (EHR) in compliance with IHS, AAAHC, and CMS standards.

-Attend mandatory training, comply with CME requirements, and participate in performance improvement initiatives.

-Coordinate medical eye care with other physicians and contract health services as necessary.

Work Schedule:

-Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays, with every other Friday off.

-Must adhere to contract hours, working no more than 80 hours every two weeks.

Qualifications:

Required:

Education: Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited program recognized by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

Licensure: Unrestricted, full, and active optometry license, with passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.

Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred Experience:

-At least one year of professional optometry experience or completion of a residency program in optometry.

-Expertise in hospital-based optometry, including diagnosing and managing:

-Ocular infections, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

-Dry-eye syndrome, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

-Binocular dysfunctions and ocular trauma.

-Experience with optometric diagnostic and treatment instruments and procedures.