Optometrist

Optometrist

An exempt position responsible for providing primary vision care via examination, testing, prescribing and vision therapy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Examines patients’ eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases; tests patients’ visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Reviews medical history. Diagnoses conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health practitioners as needed.
• Analyzes test results and develops a treatment plan.
• Prescribes/administers drugs to patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems.
• Prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses. Utilizes vision therapeutic techniques and rehabilitation techniques for those with low vision.
• Documents patient condition and progress.
• Follows infection control, safety, and quality improvement policies.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree with preoptometric science studies preferred. Doctor of optometry degree from an accredited optometry school required.
• Minimum three years of experience as optometrist, with at least one year in a medical practice preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations Required:

• All states require that optometrists be licensed. Degreed applicants must pass both a written National Board examination and a national, regional, or state clinic board examination. Some states also may require applicants to pass an exam on relevant state laws. Licenses are renewed every one to three years and continuing education credits are needed for renewal.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Knowledge of health and visual sciences, diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
• Knowledge of pharmacology, optics, vision science, biochemistry, and systemic disease.

Skills:

• Skill in developing and implementing ways to protect eyes.
• Skill in diagnosing vision problems and diseases.
• Skill in diagnosing other health conditions that cause eye-related symptoms.

Abilities:

• Ability to deal tactfully with patients, families, and other clinicians.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate manual/finger dexterity, agility, eye–hand coordination, and color vision and depth perception with visual acuity correctable to 20/25.

Equipment Operated: Optical machinery and instruments. Computer hardware and software for documentation.

Work Environment: Office, laboratory, and exam rooms. Well lighted, well ventilated, clean and comfortable. Some exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions related to clinic settings.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Combination of sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending, and reaching. Occasionally must lift/carry up to 50 pounds. Periodic stress related to workload and managerial responsibilities.