OPTOMETRIST

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Optometrists provide comprehensive vision care to patients of all ages. This includes, but is not limited to prescribing, coordinating and dispensing eyeglasses. Optometrists coordinate the care of chronic eye conditions, needed annual screenings and acute eye care needs.  At Lorain County Health & Dentistry, optometrists are expected to develop long term relationships with their patients and their patient’s caregiver, provide patient informed individualized healthcare recommendations and plans and offer ongoing support and advice as needed in accordance with Lorain County Health & Dentistry’s philosophy of “partnership” with patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review patient’s vision history. 
• Elicit relevant information from patient/ patient’s caregiver regarding current and prior conditions or ailments. 
• Examine the patient using medical equipment and techniques for signs of refractive errors, disease, injury, and ailments.  
• Perform routine checkups and visual screenings. 
• Order and/or perform tests, diagnostic images, and other inquisitive diagnostics as needed. 
• Determine patient’s visual acuity, field of vision, and hand-eye coordination.   
• Review and analyze all results, reports, and findings regarding the condition of patients.
• Diagnose and define a treatment plan for all issues or potential issues or refer patients to the appropriate specialist as needed. 
• Prescribe medications as needed.  
• Perform foreign body removal procedures as needed. 
• Develop positive, professional, long term relationships with patients and their caregivers. 
• Educate patients and their caregivers on recommended techniques to improve and maintain good health.
• Promote good health throughout the facility in conversation and behavior.
• Refer patients to specialty care if needed for complex medical or psychological conditions. 
• Respond appropriately when on call rotation.
• Complete encounters per policy.
• Respond to requests within EHR i.e. PAQ, tasks, patient message. 
• Collaborate appropriately with provider team. 
• Participate in Peer Review
• Must maintain accurate records. 

PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Local travel required.
• Attend relevant professional activities such as company sponsored events as needed.
• Attend trainings and seminars as directed. 
• Attend meetings as directed. 

COMPETENCIES 

• Coaching & Counseling
• Team Building
• Accountability
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Leadership

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Fine and gross motor skills will be frequently employed. 
• Some lifting of supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs. 
• 50% walking or standing, 50% sitting at a desk. 
• Category I re: exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and communicable diseases. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited optometry school. 
• Must be licensed in the State of Ohio and meet all requirements for credentialing and privileging.  
• Must maintain appropriate continuing education requirements. 
• Must have BLS certification.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of three years of experience in a non-profit community healthcare environment is preferred. 
• Must have proficient computer skills and the ability to become proficient in software programs specific to Lorain County Health & Dentistry i.e. NextGen, EPM, EHR, etc.
• Must have the skill and credibility to serve as a patient advocate and be a role model for change.
• Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor and communicate enthusiastically with patients. 
• Ability to be responsive in working with a culturally-diverse patient population.
• Must have excellent communication skills with the ability to master a therapeutic communication approach.
• Ability to independently coordinate multiple tasks. 
• Ability to work cooperatively with others. 
• Must have valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. 
• Bilingual Spanish speaking is a plus. 

BENEFITS

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• CME Bank
• Paid Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, with Employer Match
• Giving back, outreach, and true advocacy to the patient community we serve.

Lorain County Health & Dentistry (LCH&D) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to adhering to employment practices in accordance with the EEOC. 

LCH&D will ensure that all persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If an accommodation is needed please contact the LCH&D Human Resources Department at careers@lorainhealth-dentistry.org