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. 

Job Description

• Oversees patient diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vision problems and diseases.
• Performs tests for possible sight related problems and diseases.
• Prescribes glasses and contact lenses; prescribes rehabilitation of the impaired eyes.
• Examines, diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as diagnoses related systemic conditions.
• Performs examinations for both the internal and external structures of the eye, and subjective and objective tests to evaluate vision; analyzes the test findings; diagnoses and determines appropriate treatments; communicates and educates patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical procedures and terminology especially related to eyes and vision
• Interpersonal/human relations skills
• Analytical skills
• Attentiveness to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

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 Effect

The 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. Preferred:
• Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples:
• Is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions.  Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to other health care professionals.
• Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted optometric program including training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative program and system of care.  The optometrist serves as liaison with other medical services.