Optometrist

Optometrist Job Description

Provide outpatient optometric care to patients of all ages at the Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center, an Indian Health Service facility serving the Lake Traverse Reservation. This contract assignment supports continuity of care during permanent staff absences.

Location 100 Lake Traverse Drive, Sisseton, SD 57262

Openings Up to two optometrists

Schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays and government facility closures. Coverage dates are coordinated with the facility.

Anticipated assignment December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2027, subject to contract award, confirmed service dates, and facility approval.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide examinations, diagnoses, prognoses, treatment plans, follow-up care, and consultations within approved clinical privileges, including routine, diagnostic, consultative, and specialty emergency optometric care.

Deliver effective care for an average of 12 to 16 patients daily. Appointments are typically scheduled for 30 minutes, with additional time as determined by the facility.

Prescribe and direct appropriate therapy within granted privileges. Follow IHS formulary and pharmacy procedures and complete provider notes before medication orders are processed.

Arrange referrals and specialty consultations through IHS Purchased and Referred Care procedures, coordinate recommended treatment, and communicate patient care concerns to specialists.

Educate patients about eye conditions, treatment, prevention, and health promotion. Participate in the Patient Centered Medical Home model and encourage patient engagement.

Enter and sign orders in the electronic health record. Complete chart documentation within 72 hours, EHR notifications within one day, and documentation deficiencies within one day after notification.

Work independently while maintaining professional communication with optometry staff and other departments. Provide culturally sensitive care that respects patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality.

Participate in quality improvement, peer review, professional practice evaluations, required training, and staff education as assigned. Follow facility policies, clinical standards, and approved procedures.

Required Qualifications

Doctor of Optometry degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education at the time the degree was earned.

Current, active, unrestricted optometry license from any of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a United States territory.

Completion of a one-year residency at an institution accredited for that training, or one year of professional optometry experience within the last 24 months.

Current Basic Life Support certification and maintenance of required continuing education and certifications.

Electronic health record experience and computer proficiency sufficient to complete clinical documentation and orders.

Fluent spoken and written English, clear communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with Native American patients and multidisciplinary clinical staff.

Credentialing and Conditions of Assignment

Obtain written medical staff appointment and clinical privileges before providing care, and maintain them throughout the assignment. Complete facility credentialing and background paperwork within required deadlines.

Successfully complete required fingerprint screening and suitability requirements. Unsupervised contact with Indian children and access to federal systems containing protected information are restricted until the required investigation and authorization are complete.

Remain eligible for service and free of HHS Office of Inspector General exclusion. Provide required disclosures concerning licensure, clinical privileges, sanctions, and malpractice history.

Submit employee health documentation for Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, Tdap, influenza, COVID, and tuberculosis screening as required by the solicitation and facility review. The solicitation includes an influenza policy providing for approved medical or religious exemptions.

Protect patient information under HIPAA and IHS policies, complete required orientation and training, follow professional appearance standards, and wear facility identification.

Report to scheduled shifts, submit accurate timesheets, and complete all records and Health Information Management checkout before leaving the assignment.

Application Materials

Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae listing all work experience and explaining employment gaps, a copy of the active optometry license, current BLS certification, availability, and three recommendation letters dated within the past six months: one from a supervisor and two from peers in the same discipline. Additional credentialing materials include education and training records, continuing education, NPI documentation, DEA certificate, board certification documentation, liability insurance, signed releases, and required facility forms, as requested during credentialing. Identity and health records should be provided through the designated onboarding process.

Pay: $118,000.00 - $143,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $118,000 - $143,000