Optometrist

Under general supervision, examines and treats outpatients in the Department of Ophthalmology. Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff internal and external to the organization.

• Doctor of Optometry degree from a 4-year program at an accredited School of Optometry is required, preceded by at least 3 years of pre-optometry study at an accredited college or university.

• Successful completion of Optometric Internship, ophthalmic technical skills, including refraction.

• Maryland State license as Doctor of Optometry.
• Current CPR certification.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to perform complex analysis of information.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both in terms of relating to patients and relating to coworkers and referring physicians.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, systemic diseases, ocular diseases, ocular emergencies.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic instrumentation; knowledge and performance of techniques to measure the patient's visual acuity and ocular motility and to administer eye drops, ointments, etc.
• Knowledge of oral medications and invasive techniques.
• Skill in data analysis and interpretation.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to file and retrieve records.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission Policies and Regulations.

Exposure to occasional distasteful patient care activities and communicable diseases is low.

Must maintain continuing medical education as required by JCAHO.

• Examines people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases.
• Performs complete vision exam to include refraction, measure visual acuity, low luminance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading rate.
• Performs a variety of clinical tests on patients such as visual acuity tests, color vision testing, lensometry, exophthalmometry, Amsler Grid, Schirmer's Tests, evaluation of pupil tonometry, keratometry, retinoscopy, and refractometry, pachymetry, and gonioscopy.
• Provides basic patient care such as prescribing and administering eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye. Provides patient education in basic eye health and care.
• Prescribes eyeglasses and contact lenses. May provide vision therapy and referral to low-vision rehabilitation.
• Analyzes test results and develops a treatment plan.
• Provides preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients.
• Diagnoses conditions caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health practitioners as needed.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all tests performed, preliminary transfer and analysis of data and recovery of charts for review.
• Discusses treatment options with patient to include transfer of care to Ophthalmologist.
• Recognizes errors or equipment malfunctions.
• Calibrates, makes necessary adjustments, cleans and maintains equipment (i.e. acuity projectors, ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, lensometers, perimeters, slit lamps, phoropters) used to insure accurate and reliable results.
• Diagnoses vision disorders and prescribes corrective lenses to include fitting with contact lenses.

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy.
• Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities.

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations.
• Actively pursues learning and self-development.
• Pays attention to detail; follows through.

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others.
• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them.
• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties.
• Reports to work regularly and on time.

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team.
• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way.
• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions.
• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others.

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment.
• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers.

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment.
• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services.
• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles.
• Achieves…