Title:  Optometrist                                                                                                               Range:  TBD

Program: Eye Care                                                                                                              Status:  Exempt-Professional

Housing Priority:  1                                                                                                            Covered:  Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide comprehensive optometry services for the twelve communities in the region served by Maniilaq Association. Supervises the assessment, planning implementation and evaluation of services provided: assures that such services are provided in accordance with established federal, state and local hospital regulatory standards; assists in the development of department goals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Examine vision, eye, and related structures of the eye to diagnose vision anomalies and detect any disease and/or other abnormalities of the eye.  This is to be accomplished during direct patient care as well as any medical charting reviews or while participating in a health care team focusing on long-term disease treatment.
2. Prescribe and adapt spectacle lenses, contact lenses and optical aids.  Instruct the patient on proper wear and upkeep of spectacles/contacts/optical aids.     
3. Administer and/or monitor medical treatment for ocular disease and/or injury.  To also be involved in any inter-disciplinary team formed for the purpose of patient care in concerns of ocular disease/injury.
4. Refer patients to the ophthalmologist and other health care personnel and/or health facilities for further diagnosis, and treatment.  Furthermore, tracking adequate patient follow-up for when patient returns to local area.  Provide case management for complicated issues.
5. Supervise and instruct the Dispensing Optician/Ophthalmic Dispenser with administrative, technical and professional vision care procedures.  This includes all training and subsequence competencies testing aspects.  This training is to cover patient care, Joint Commission and any hospital/facility/area specific issues.
6. Travel to each of the eleven outlying communities to conduct field optometry clinics assisted by the Dispensing Optician or Eye Care Technician.  Responsible for all organization and planning of village trips.
7. Plan, implement and direct the optometry and opticianry programs for the Northwest Arctic Borough region.  Responsible for understanding the specific mission and values of the organization and how the operations of the clinic need to match the patient demographics as well as the cultural needs.
8. Responsible for recording all patient care examinations and procedures in the appropriate health records in compliance with hospital policy, Joint Commission standards as well as professional community standards.   To also review existing policy and procedures for patient documentation and be involved in any hospital or community committees that will directly impact the clinic.
9. Reports directly to the Community Health Director.
10. Supervises Eye Clinic staff, including hiring, training, disciplining and reviewing performance and outcomes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Licensed to practice optometry in the State of Alaska, or licensed per Public Health Service standards.  Ability to lift up to 70 pounds.  Frequent travel and ability to travel in small aircraft required. Comprehensive knowledge of primary care optometry and the ability to apply this knowledge.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Join a compassionate and adventurous team that delivers tribal, health and social services to Kotzebue and its 11 surrounding villages above the Arctic Circle!

COMPENSATION:

Increases depending on experience, education and as determined by the hiring manager. 

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Relocation, sign-on and retention bonuses, free medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability and retirement for employee, IHS, NHSC and Alaska State loan repayment site, CEU/CME/CDE allowance and paid days, furnished hospital housing for rent, 30 days accrued leave in first year, 11 paid holidays, leave cash out option, no State Income Tax, Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend, employee gym and saunas, close knit community, 5 minute commute/walk to work, endless year-round outdoor activities and ways to enjoy the beauty of Alaska, and more!

We hope to hear from you soon!