Optometrist

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

Provide patient-centered, comprehensive optometric primary care services that support FoundCare’s mission to provide quality healthcare and social services for all individuals and families. The Optometrist delivers preventive and health maintenance services, acute and chronic eye care, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and consultation services with an emphasis on access, compassion, dignity, cultural sensitivity, and coordinated care for medically underserved patients and families. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Maintain familiarity with FoundCare’s program philosophies, goals, objectives, mission, and patient-centered approach, and adhere to all FoundCare policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal regulations.
• Adhere to current disease management protocols and key clinical pathways, using them to improve clinical performance, patient outcomes, and access to high-quality care for all patients.
• Participate in collaboratives and federal and state healthcare programs approved by the Executive Team. Work with Quality Improvement to ensure compliance with clinical measures. 
• Complete required documentation and assigned tasks on time, including ENR tasks, EHR processes, telephone encounters, chart locking, payroll sheets, and related items.
• Understand the requirements of FoundCare’s Exposure Control Plan. Ensure compliance with this plan by support team members assigned to assist you. Personally utilize universal precautions when practicing in the clinical setting. 
• Facilitate needed referrals, including social services and other supportive resources, for patients requiring services not offered at FoundCare in coordination with referral services representatives, care team nurses, and community partners.
• Participate in team member outreach and off-site healthcare programs related to the specialty, helping reduce barriers to care and representing FoundCare’s values and mission in the community.  
• Assist in the review of primary care protocols and patient education materials in collaboration with the Leader and/or CMO.
• Provide necessary information and signatures for participation in reimbursement arrangements such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other plans. 
• Review incoming reports, including labs and imaging reports; sign off and follow up according to guidelines. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of coding and billing requirements. Provide accurate coding information in the EHR that corresponds to the care provided and documented progress notes. 
• Act as a resource for medical support staff. Provide support and encouragement to clinical staff and the center Leader. 
• Attend and participate in mandatory FoundCare meetings, including center-specific quarterly meetings, corporate meetings, and other meetings designated by the Leader.
• Complete all required training courses on time and maintain proper certification. 
• Participate in peer review and quality assurance activities as requested.
• Respond to requests and provide feedback for clinical support staff or center Leader evaluations. 
• Make recommendations to Leadership regarding the purchase, repair, and maintenance of clinical supplies, instruments, and equipment.
• Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with other members of the care team, supporting coworkers and contributing to a respectful, inclusive environment that promotes quality healthcare and social services for all individuals and families.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop best practices associated with specific disease states and expand patient care approaches.
• Promote equitable access to optometry services by delivering care that respects each patient’s background, needs, language preferences, and ability to pay.
• Maintain proper and professional appearance at all times. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CMO.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, with or without an interpreter.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing in English, with or without auxiliary aids or services.
• Ability to review, understand, and apply information from training programs, conferences, and professional literature.
• Ability to educate individuals on safe sex practices, including topics that may involve explicit language, printed materials, and descriptions of sexual activity, as part of the agency’s HIV prevention mission.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, and ability to navigate electronic health record systems.
• Ability to quickly identify problems and determine the most effective treatment options.
• Skilled in addressing patient care needs in a compassionate and empathetic manner.
• Skilled in working in a collaborative, team-based practice.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to endure short, intermittent, and/or long periods of sitting and/or standing in the performance of job duties. 
• Use standard office equipment and technology, including computers, telephones, and clinical systems, in the course of daily duties.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or less. 
• Ability to travel to other FoundCare locations and perform job duties.
• Ability to travel to other locations to attend meetings, workshops, and seminars, plus travel to other FoundCare departments and FoundCare conference rooms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university
• Three (3) to five (5) years of clinical experience preferred 
• Active Florida State License required 
• DEA license (optional) 
• BLS certification required 
• Knowledge of accreditation standards (AAAHC, HRSA) preferred
• Preferred: Bilingual proficiency in English and Haitian Creole or Spanish.
• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.