What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optometrist position at Arthur Center Community Health?
Job title:
Optometrist
Who we are:
At the Arthur Center, we inspire community health and wellness! Our approach is to inspire our patients and clients to lead a healthy life so they can spend their time, talent and resources on living! We are headquartered in Mexico, MO and currently serve the Audrain, Callaway, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, and Monroe Counties. We employ close to 200 people at our 5 locations.
Job position description:
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Optometrist to join our clinical team. As an Optometrist, you will be responsible for delivering comprehensive vision care, including examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision disorders and eye diseases. This role plays a vital part in promoting eye health and supporting overall patient wellness through collaborative care. Arthur Center Community Health is committed to providing exceptional physical and mental health services to our community and as an Optometrist, you can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Patient Care & Clinical Duties
- Perform comprehensive eye and vision examinations to assess visual acuity, eye coordination, and ocular health.
- Diagnose and manage visual problems, refractive errors, and ocular conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision therapy as appropriate.
- Provide emergency eye care for conditions such as infections, injuries, or sudden vision changes.
- Develop individualized treatment and management plans based on patient needs and diagnostic findings.
- Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
- Educate patients on proper eye care, preventive measures, and lifestyle practices to maintain optimal vision and eye health.
- Conduct screenings and assessments for early detection of eye diseases and related systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Care Coordination
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other specialists when advanced medical or surgical care is required.
- Collaborate with opticians and other healthcare providers to ensure accurate prescriptions and coordinated patient care.
- Communicate with primary care physicians and specialists regarding patient eye health and systemic disease management.
- Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential patient records in compliance with healthcare regulations and practice standards.
- Utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems effectively for documentation and patient communication.
- Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and professional regulatory requirements.
- Quality Improvement & Professional Development
- Participate in quality assurance, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives within the clinic or organization.
- Stay current with advancements in optometric science, technology, and clinical best practices through continuing education.
- Uphold ethical, professional, and legal standards in all aspects of optometric practice.
- Patient Advocacy
- Support patients in understanding their vision and eye health needs and accessing appropriate resources and services.
- Provide culturally competent, compassionate, and patient-centered care to diverse populations.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Clinical Expertise:
- Comprehensive knowledge of vision testing, refraction techniques, ocular anatomy, and common eye diseases.
- Diagnostic Skills:
- Strong ability to identify and manage vision disorders and detect early signs of systemic or ocular disease.
- Patient Care and Communication:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to explain diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care clearly and compassionately.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Skilled in operating optometric instruments and technologies, including autorefractors, retinal cameras, slit lamps, and EHR systems.
- Attention to Detail:
- High level of accuracy in examinations, prescriptions, and record-keeping.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Ability:
- Competent in interpreting test results and developing appropriate treatment plans.
- Time Management:
- Ability to manage patient schedules efficiently while maintaining quality of care.
- Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Works effectively with other healthcare professionals, opticians, and office staff to ensure coordinated patient care.
- Professionalism and Ethics:
- Adheres to ethical standards, patient confidentiality, and legal regulations governing optometric practice.
- Continuous Learning:
- Committed to professional development and staying current with advancements in optometry and vision science.
Requirements:
- Degree in Optometry from an accredited institution who has completed all accredited requirements.
- Must be licensed to practice in Missouri.
- Proof of being certified/registered in prior jurisdiction to use pharmaceutical agents at a level of substantially equivalent to Missouri’s.
- Must have passed the Missouri’s optometric law exam.
- Must have at least three (3) years of experience in practice experience.
- Experience with a Federally Qualified Health Center is preferred.
Top benefits or perks:
As an employee at Arthur Center, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (with HSA option)
- Retirement plan with employer match (up to 6%)
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, CME)
- Continuing education support and professional development opportunities.
- Eligibility for student loan prepayment programs (NHSC and HRSA)