OPTOMETRIST

Position Summary

As a member of the Medical team, this position is responsible for the providing optometry services to patients of HCHN.  This position will provide direct care for 95% of the time, and administrative responsibilities 5% of the time. 

Providers must understand and support the vision and mission of HCHN.  Understands that employment is contingent upon adherence to HCHN policies and procedures, HRSA, JCAHO, OSHA and HIPAA rules and regulations - related codes and laws. 

General responsibilities

• Conducts eye exams using optometric equipment and general diagnostic interpretation.
• Diagnoses and treats ocular disease and defects of the eye such as myopia, astigmatism and glaucoma.
• Monitors eye health for people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, multiple sclerosis, etc.
• Prescribes medications.
• Prescribes, fits and adjusts eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
• Performs pre and post operation checks.
• Recommends appropriate patient follow-up care options.
• Answers questions and provides advice to patients regarding vision and optical issues.
• Directs optometry staff and assists in the development of the overall optometry staff.
• Provides patients with education and ensures patients receive educational materials that pertain to their eye care needs.
• Refers patients to specialists when required and in accordance with their insurance restrictions.
• To ensure continuum of care, uses all HCHN supported laboratory services and pharmacy services.
• Effectively and efficiently completes all paperwork requirements for encounters and medical records compliance.
• Ensures all patient charts are completed within 24 hours of the patient visit, and the charting is comprehensive and legible.
• Adheres to contract specifics related to the number of patients seen on a daily basis and actively assists with clinic flow of patients.
• Performs eye examinations and procedures on patients as assigned or as needed.
• Prescribes medications, contact lenses, and eye glasses to patients as assigned or as needed.
• Advises patients on good eye care practices and eye exercises.
•  Interprets and presents pertinent clinical data to the CEO, management team and Board of Directors within assigned time frames.
• Develops, implements and monitors the HCHN CQI program related to clinic patient care.
• Active participant in all assigned meetings including provider meeting, staff meetings, and Peer Review meetings as scheduled.
• Performs and accepts other responsibilities as assigned

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Valid and active State of Michigan license as a Doctor of Optometry (OD) to practice optometry medicine in the State of Michigan. 
• Board Certified in Optometry
• Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of eye care delivery, as well as the theory and practice of organizational management, preferably in a health care and/or not-for-profit environment. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters.
• Meets all attendance and punctuality requirements to ensure proper coverage and quality service.
• Professional and appropriate dress as required by the position.
• Demonstrates an ability to resolve interpersonal and professional conflicts appropriately.
• Ability to formulate decisions and make judgments that are demanding and interpretative.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with the CEO, other members of the Management Team, Board, business associates and community groups.
• Effectively and efficiently complete all paperwork requirements for billing and medical records compliance.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, to effectively and tactfully deal with a diverse group of patients, staff, customers, and community groups.
• General computer proficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Physical Demands           

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range.
• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).
• Travel between sites using own vehicle.

Work Environment          

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Clinical office space.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.