Optometrist

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Optometrist reports to the Director of Optometry

PURPOSE: To provide comprehensive, quality eye and vision care to patients and to supervise all aspects of eye and vision care for HCHC patients.   

RESPONSIBILITIES: In conjunction with other services and administration, assure that patients from both health centers have convenient access to comprehensive optometric services, on days and times that are collaboratively determined. Continue to maintain Massachusetts licensure and participate in related continuing education, professional and leadership development activities, as appropriate, including requirements for Board Certification, if relevant.

Clinical Care

• Provide comprehensive eye examinations including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of vision and eye health conditions.
• Take and/or review patient history, perform clinical examinations, and establish appropriate diagnoses.
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests as clinically indicated.
• Develop and implement treatment plans in accordance with evidence-based standards of care.
• Prescribe medications, corrective lenses, and other treatments within the scope of Massachusetts optometric practice.
• Provide same-day urgent or emergency eye care for clinic patients when necessary.
• Review relevant medical records including prior consultations, hospitalizations, and diagnostic reports.
• Make appropriate referrals to ophthalmology or other medical specialties as needed.
• Provide follow-up care and ongoing management in accordance with evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Patient Communication and Education

• Educate patients and families regarding eye health, diagnoses, treatment options, medication use, and preventative care.
• Respond to patient communications including phone messages from patients, pharmacies, family members, insurance providers, consultants, and community agencies.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with primary care providers and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, integrated care for patients.
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff regarding eye and vision care issues.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Comply with all HCHC policies and procedures, including HIPAA, infection control, patient safety, and risk management protocols.

Access to Care

• Work collaboratively with administration and clinical leadership to ensure patients at both health centers have convenient access to optometric services at mutually determined days and times.

Professional Development

• Maintain current Massachusetts licensure to practice optometry.
• Participate in required continuing education and professional development activities.
• Maintain board certification if applicable and participate in leadership development activities as appropriate.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review activities, and performance improvement efforts related to eye and vision care services.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Optometry.

Physical Demands:

Sit

Stand

Walk

Talk or Hear

Push/Pull

Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

Reach w/hands and arms

Lift at least 10 pounds

Work Environment: Typical noise level for the work environment 

Quiet 

Hearing:

Ability to hear alarms on equipment 

Ability to hear client call 

Ability to hear instructions from patients/visitors/department staff

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Must have a current/valid Massachusetts therapeutics level optometry license, and be eligible for board certification in optometry, if applicable. 
•  Must be committed to community health and to serving the Hilltown population, regardless of individual’s ability to pay for services.