What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Optometrist position at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority?

Job Description

Job Title : Chief Optometrist

Job Code : CHFOPT

Department : Eye Clinic

Division : Operations Division

Salary Level : P3- Exempt

Reports to : Chief Operations Officer

Last Revised : January 2025

Primary Function

This position is located within the Cherokee Indian Hospital Patient Eye Clinic. The purpose of this position is to function as Chief Optometrist, providing optometry program management and direct patient care. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to design, implementation, direction, and evaluation of a comprehensive eye care program and provide supervision to (subordinate Optometrists) additional eye care providers and staff, including contract and salaried optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Job Description

Administrative Duties

Works under the administrative supervision of the Chief Operations Officer.
Provides day to day leadership that reflects the adopted mission and core values of CIHA.
Develops and implements plans / programs for improvement expansion and / or contraction of patient care services to meet changing patient care needs or staffing levels.
Develops, implements, evaluates, and revises department specific objectives, priorities, policies, procedures which are consistent with those for the overall eye care program and Service Unit programs.
Develops short and long-range department plans.
Supervises subordinates including other optometrists, ophthalmologists, and / or health technicians (optometric). Assigns work, rates performance, interviews candidates, recommends selections, resolves complaints and grievances, recommends promotion and training, effects minor disciplinary actions, and finds ways to increase quality and efficiency of work.
Establishes or approves overall work schedule and determines individual or work group assignments.

Clinical Duties

Plans, implements and directs the clinical eye care program. Establishes and maintains working policies of the eye clinic (i.e., scope of services, daily operations policy, short- and long-term goals and objectives in response to patient care needs); assures adequate staffing of the eye clinic including on-call night and weekend coverage.

Oversees patient diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vision problems and diseases.

Provides direct care to patients in a responsible, respectful and caring manner, i.e. independently diagnoses all optometric and ocular problems through external and internal physical evaluation of the eye and surrounding tissues; detects neuromuscular impairment or anomalies of binocular function; treats visual disorders through examination, prescription of corrective lenses, vision training and / or pharmacological means; treats unusual visual disorders through application of advanced and complex optometric techniques; performs minor surgical procedures (i.e. corneal and eyelid foreign body removal, small papilloma removal, suture removal, etc.).

Provides emergency eye services including diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic trauma or pathology on an outpatient or inpatient basis (i.e. treatment of corneal ulcers using pharmaceuticals, bandage contact lenses, surgical debridement, etc.), using proper infection control techniques (i.e. standard precautions). Refers patients requiring complex medical surgery or services to the appropriate medical specialty; refers patients to the appropriate health professional upon the diagnosis of ocular manifestations of systemic disease; receives referrals from other health professionals for continuing quality patient care.

Prescribes glasses and contact lenses; prescribes rehabilitation of the impaired eyes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Degree of doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in Optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges of the United States and Canadian schools or colleges or optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.

Meets Following Requirements :

Four years of optometric practice or its equivalent. One year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of 2 years of practice.

The optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples :

a. A recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions. Typically, this capacity serves as a consultant to other health care professionals.

b. Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted optometric program including training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative program and system of care. The incumbent serves as a liaison with other medical services. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the following type of work and / or tasks : Oversee Optometry Program in its entirety; provide direct, comprehensive medical / optometric care to patients; provide supervision to Optometry staff by assigning work, evaluating work performance, interviewing candidates for positions and ensuring staff follow accreditation standards, ensure quality of care of department, Serves as Optometry and Eye care clinical expert in providing consultation.

Licensed to practice Optometry in State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Must obtain North Carolina Licensure within 1 year after initial hire. Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration.

Job Knowledge

The purpose of the work is to improve the overall eye care health status of the Native American population served. The work involves above average levels of optometric services and has substantial impact on the provision of improved health care to patients and allows them to lead a more productive and useful life due to better visual and ocular health.

The health care affects the work of other health professionals, affects the physical health and well-being of a large number of individuals, and the community, and how CIHA is perceived by the tribe and the community.

A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers.

Ability to supervise, assign work, rate performance, recommend promotion and training, and effect minor disciplinary actions.

Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve eye care program.

Ability to manage and monitor budgets, establish and maintain working policies.

Provides direct clinical care to patients and has ability to treat unusual and complex visual and ocular disorders. Proficient in advanced optometric techniques and the diagnosis and management of visual and ocular disorders / pathology and ocular trauma.

Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Valid NCDL required.

Complexity of Duties

The work primarily consists of direct patient care with administrative duties (ie. Monthly reports, supervisory duties, budget development and monitoring, etc.). Most tasks are of greater than average optometric, technical, and administrative difficulty.

Judgmental failure could seriously impact on visual, ocular, as well as general health of the patient and the entire facility population.

Incumbent determines proper treatment of patients served and is accepted as a referral source of information for other health care providers at the facility.

Supervision Received

Incumbent receives guidance primarily in the form of guidelines and general policy directives from the Chief Operations Officer. Clinical oversight will be provided by the Executive Director of Clinical Services.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Governmental regulations, Tribal regulations, compliance with grants, and third party payers require the submitting of accurate patient information to allow for appropriate reimbursement for patient visits. The submission of false or inaccurate information would place the agency at risk for fraudulent claims.

Contact with Others

Primary contact is with patients for the purpose of providing services, reassurance, exchange information, and to motivate patients to practice preventative eye care measures. Secondary contacts include, but not limited to primary care providers, medical records staff, pharmacy staff, billing office staff, and contract health staff. Contacts with other employees are to exchange information, solve problems, and coordinate services to be provided. All contacts require tact, courtesy, and professional decorum.

Confidential Data

The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability Act and Accountability Act of 1996, mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records and all other pertinent information that comes to his / her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action.

Mental / Visual / Physical

The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to utilize optometric equipment. The optometrist must often lift and reposition patients for treatment. Position is subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses and deadlines. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds.

Environment

All functions related to this position are normally performed within the hospital, clinic or office setting. Incidental use of a government vehicle may occur requiring a valid state driver’s license. Occasional travel by car and air is required.

Scope of Supervision

Incumbent is required to supervise multiple staff members / employees from diverse specialty fields and knowledge of operations. Incumbent may act as contracting officer for projects of communication and information systems. Incumbent may act as ‘indirect’ supervisor of employees of different tribal programs working on projects concerning the CIHA. In collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer, the employee will develop and monitor performance expectations for the department and staff.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients / customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients / customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

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