Optometrist

Job Summary

Assesses the eye health needs of patients by means of interview, health history, examination and diagnostic tests. Interprets the data, develops and implements a plan of treatment, follows through on a continuum of patient eye care life span within protocols set forth and approved. Works under the direction of the clinical provider (Ophthalmologist) and office manager.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Doctor of Optometry Degree (OD) from an Accredited School of Optometry
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Current active license issued by the State Board of Optometry in South Carolina. 
Required Training: Maintains state licensure in good standing. Responsible for maintaining continuing education requirements. 

Essential Functions

• Applied understanding of general principles of optometry and best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of eye-related disorders and conditions
• Conduct eye exams using optometric equipment and general diagnostic interpretation.
• Diagnose and treat ocular disease.
• Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
• Recommend appropriate patient follow-up and care options.
• Order and review testing including, but not limited to; visual fields and fundus photos.
•  Answer questions and provide advice to patients regarding vision and optical issues.
• Deliver outstanding customer service through all patient interactions.
• Diagnose and refer cataract patients to Ophthalmologist.
• Diagnose and treat Dry Eye with various methods including IPL therapy.
• Discuss refractive surgery options with patients and manage pre- and post-op care.
• Discuss optical recommendations and provide seamless transition of care to opticians. Responsive to all patients and office staff requests and needs.
• Documents all situations, both internally and externally, that may arise out of the ordinary or are necessary to maintain accurate patient charts/records.
• Helps maintain the work area in a neat and orderly fashion. Responsible for keeping supplies necessary to perform the job duties.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation of care and follow-up for administrative purposes and reimbursement of services.
• Adheres to agreed-upon format/protocol for documentation or records.
• Maintains appropriate level of documentation to promote/support level of complexity when compared against/to service fee charges.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Participates in a variety of educational activities in order to maintain and increase competency.
• Maintains licensure/certification.
• Uses continuing education opportunities as a basis for expanding medical knowledge and improving clinical skills and incorporates these into the daily practice of medicine.
• Participates in developing, implementing, and interpreting quality assurance/risk management programs.
• Supervises and intervenes with clinical issues and supports/directs triage by clinical staff when necessary. Implements clinical education and training or clinical staff when necessary.
• Provides in-services and clinical education for staff members on an “as needed” basis.
• Identifies barriers to patient care flow or delivery and assists at formulating corrective action.
• Demonstrates regard for the dignity and respect for all patients, their families, guests, and representatives of other organizations as well as fellow employees, volunteers, and medical staff in support of the practice’s mission to provide consistent, quality health care services in a professional, caring, and responsive environment.
• Demonstrates responsibility for individual performance and efficient utilization of products, supplies, equipment, and time to ensure the timely completion of duties and to promote financial viability through provision of services at a reasonable cost.
• Provides proper notification for all absences or tardiness, scheduled shift and scheduled time off in accordance with company policy.
• Employee follows established safety precautions and procedures in the performance of all duties in order to ensure a safe environment
• Works in a cooperative manner that is consistent with LMC’s Service Expectations policy.
• Effectively uses electronic, verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in a clear and concise manner to ensure appropriate understanding and response and demonstrates open communication with co-workers.
• Abides by LMC’s Code of Conduct, accepts work assignments readily, and adheres to dress code and maintains personal hygiene and cleanliness appropriate to contact with patients, visitors and coworkers, supports and participates actively in change processes/performance improvement activities by willingly adopting new methods.
• Participate in office meetings.
• Share on-call duty with Ophthalmologist as needed. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned.