The Role
The Director of Optometry provides direct patient care, leads clinical operations, supervises staff and preceptors, and teaches and mentors optometry students. The role oversees compliance, quality improvement, workflows, staffing, performance reporting, budgeting, and student evaluation across community health center sites. The director collaborates with MCPHS and health center leadership to support evidence-based education, operational efficiency, culturally competent care, and professional development.
Summary Generated by Built In
Salary for this Position: $106,000 - $123,000 Annually
*All Pay Rates are subject to Experience, License or Certification and Location*
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts serving Worcester, Framingham, Milford and the surrounding communities. We are a thriving and growing organization, and our team is expanding across sites to support this growth.
We are hiring a Director of Optometry based in Worcester, MA. The MCPHS School of Optometry and Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center are seeking a faculty member to serve in a dual role as an educator and Director of Optometry (DoO). This position combines direct patient care, student teaching and mentorship, and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered eye care services. Working closely with MCPHS faculty and Kennedy Community Health leadership, the DoO will oversee clinical operations, precept student interns, drive quality and performance improvement initiatives, and support compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. This role is integral to advancing both optometric education and exceptional patient care.
Job Summary:
Universal (between MCPHS & Kennedy CHC.)
Benefits
*All Pay Rates are subject to Experience, License or Certification and Location*
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts serving Worcester, Framingham, Milford and the surrounding communities. We are a thriving and growing organization, and our team is expanding across sites to support this growth.
We are hiring a Director of Optometry based in Worcester, MA. The MCPHS School of Optometry and Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center are seeking a faculty member to serve in a dual role as an educator and Director of Optometry (DoO). This position combines direct patient care, student teaching and mentorship, and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered eye care services. Working closely with MCPHS faculty and Kennedy Community Health leadership, the DoO will oversee clinical operations, precept student interns, drive quality and performance improvement initiatives, and support compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. This role is integral to advancing both optometric education and exceptional patient care.
Job Summary:
Universal (between MCPHS & Kennedy CHC.)
- Support the clinical education, mentorship, and professional development of optometry students rotating through Kennedy Community Health sites.
- Provide clinical supervision and leadership to ensure high-quality patient care and customer service.
- Orient, train, coach, and evaluate assigned staff and clinical preceptors in collaboration with Kennedy Community Health and MCPHS leadership.
- Monitor clinical operations, programs, and facilities to ensure compliance with organizational and professional standards.
- Analyze operational data and reports to identify trends, improve workflows, and enhance performance.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and efficient use of departmental resources.
- Promote culturally competent, inclusive care and learning environments for patients and students.
- Develop partnerships with professional organizations to support educational and clinical initiatives.
- Utilize EMR and other healthcare technologies to support patient care, operations, and student training.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, serving as the primary contact for surveys and audits.
- Participate in committees and quality improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence.
- Lead clinical peer reviews and support evaluation of student preceptors.
- Develop and implement policies, SOPs, workflows, schedules, and other operational tools to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Partner with the Associate Dean for Clinical Programs to ensure high-quality, evidence-based clinical education and precepting.
- Precept and mentor optometry student interns across Kennedy Community Health sites through direct supervision, feedback, and advising.
- Maintain clinical expertise to support exceptional patient care and student learning.
- Evaluate and enhance the student experience through performance metrics and feedback.
- Provide direct patient care as needed to ensure continuity of services.
- Participate in the School of Optometry Clinical Council and support ongoing educational initiatives.
- Promote staff productivity, customer service, and professional development.
- Collaborate across departments to improve workflows, operational performance, and patient care.
- Develop productivity reports, present operational recommendations, and contribute to annual budgeting and financial planning.
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and current Massachusetts Optometry license.
- Residency training in community health or VA optometry preferred; otherwise, 3+ years of clinical optometry experience.
- Minimum 1 year of teaching, precepting, or higher education experience.
- Commitment to student success, professional education, and inclusive learning environments.
- Strong communication, organization, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and leadership.
- Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow management, data analysis, budgeting, and performance improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and healthcare technology systems
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on related experience
- Medical insurance starts on the first day of employment.
- Health center pays 80% of medical insurance premiums.
- Includes coverage for all individuals and most family types.
- Generous time off packages
- Dental and Vision insurance
- 403b Retirement Plan with employer match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
Skills Required
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution
- Current Massachusetts optometry license
- Residency training in community health or VA optometry
- At least 3 years of clinical optometry experience if qualifying residency training is not held
- At least 1 year of teaching, precepting, or higher education experience
- Commitment to student success, professional education, and inclusive learning environments
- Strong communication, organization, customer service, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and leadership
- Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow management, data analysis, budgeting, and performance improvement
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and healthcare technology systems
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The Company
What We Do
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is a Worcester, Massachusetts-based nonprofit public charity founded in 1972. It provides community-focused health services across more than 100 communities in Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. Its multidisciplinary workforce includes clinical, social-support, customer-service, and administrative professionals, combining patient care with related support services to help local communities access care and improve their health and wellbeing.
