OPTOMETRIST

JOB SUMMARY:  Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Performs examination procedure to determine the health and welfare of the visual system and its component parts.
2. Perform examination to determine the status of the visual system as related to vision, visual function and its correction.
3. Provide treatment procedures that does not violate the prohibition of use of drugs for the medical treatment of any diseases, unless under a co-management arrangement with another physician for a medical or surgical problem.
4. Conduct test to determine if a patient is far sighted or nearsighted and prescribe corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses,
5. Conduct test to determine depth and color perception, ability to focus and coordinate the eyes.
6. Test for glaucoma and other eye diseases and diagnose conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to an Ophthalmologist as needed.
7. Prescribe corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses or recommend other treatment options like low-vision rehabilitation or vision therapy in helping blind people.
8. Provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients, as well as to patients who have had corrective laser surgery.
9. Encourage preventative measures by promoting correct reading habits, nutrition and hygiene

The above list is not to be interpreted as all inclusive.  The above reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work that may be assigned or that may be inherent in the position.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION:  Must provide the very best customer satisfaction to patients, visitors, and co-worker at all time in a professional and courteous manner.

1. Demonstrates good telephone etiquette.
2. Answers phone promptly, Returns call within acceptable timeframe.
3. Respectful and courteous to customers needs
4. Provides alternatives to problems.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must adhere to safety policies and procedures.
2. Must receive Safety and Hazardous Communication training annually.
3. Must exercise universal precautions and comply with safety standards and procedures.
4. Knowledgeable of OSHA and CLIA requirements to assure compliance.

PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA Privacy Rule) policies and procedures.
2. Must successfully complete Privacy Rule compliance training annually or as revisions are made to the policies and procedures.
3. Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by learning to protect FPHC patient’s medical privacy.
4. Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by appropriately maintaining our patient information in compliance with national standards.

5.     Must comply with Privacy Rule guidelines by providing appropriate security of FPHC    patient records

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS -RESTRICTED-  For purposes of HIPAA Compliance there are 4 workforce categories, which define the level of access to PHI that is granted to the incumbent.  This position is classified as PRIMARY PROVIDERS and therefore granted UNRESTRICED access- for the purpose of providing patient care; RESTRICTED access for other uses and disclosures, to be defined according to the purpose for which use or disclosure is intended.  Use and disclosure must be in accordance with applicable privacy policies and procedures.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:  Performance will be evaluated by the Director of Vision Services annually wherein an overall satisfactory rating is considered as a minimum acceptable level of performance.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience:  Graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry and valid state license to practice optometry. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:  Ability to work effectively under pressure and to use discretion with confidential data that may impact staff and operation of the facility. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff and the public. Demonstrate effective time management, office and departmental organization, exercising good judgment, problem solving and decision-making skills.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  Possess a non-restricted license for the state of Alabama. Possess current, valid federal and state narcotics certificates, Board Eligible. BLS certification preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:  English as first language preferred.  Bilingual/bicultural will be considered.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

1. Must be able to physically respond when on-call by prompt appearance at required location.
2. Hospital safety and infection control programs in place to reduce risk to employee
3. Potential for lifting injury can be reduced by use of a lift team to assist patient positioning.
4. Potential for periods of up to 24 hours continuous intense and demanding physical and mental stress associated with clinical workload.