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.

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 EffectThe 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 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.

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.