Description

Optometrist

Department:Optometry

Reports to:Director of Optometry

FLSA Status:Exempt

Type of Position:Full-Time

Revised Date:12/26/2024

MISSION & VISION STATEMENT:

The Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation (KPHC) is established for the purposes of carrying out the vision and mission of the Santo Domingo Health Center (SDHC). The MISSION of KPHC is:  “ENSURING HEALTH & WELLNESS THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE WITH RESPECT FOR CULTURE” and the VISION OF KPHC is:  “HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY COMMUNITY, and HEALTHY LIFESTYLE”.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to provide direct and comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical and optometric care to individuals across the spectrum of age and development within a high risk population. The position performs nonsupervisory administrative, clinical and community duties at the Santo Domingo Health Center.

PERFOMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

In performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees of the Kewa Pueblo Health Center are expected to conform to the following:

• Uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Interact in an honest, trustworthy and dependable manner with patients, employees and vendors.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintain a current insurable driver’s license.
• Comply with all Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation and Santo Domingo Health Center policies and procedures, as well

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical duties: 

•          Independently provide direct comprehensive clinical optometric care in an outpatient setting which includes but is not limited to:  treatment of visual, ophthalmic and related disorders through prescription of corrective lenses including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and basic low vision devices.  Ensures completion of accurate patient care notes and billing documents.

•          Completion of charts within 72 hours

•          Provide telemedicine reading services for diabetic retinal screening program.

•          Responsible for the diagnosis and treatment/management of visual and ocular disorders/diseases. 

•          Uses and is proficient in the use of all forms of topical ophthalmic diagnostic and therapeutic pharmacological agents to evaluate, diagnose and manage disorders of the visual and ocular system.

•          Uses oral therapeutic medicines as indicated to treat/manage ocular pathology.

•          Utilizes advanced optometric procedures and instrumentation to diagnose and manage ocular disorders/diseases.

•          Performs minor surgical procedures consistent with clinical privileges and scope of practice.

•          Responsible for the utilization of laboratory, radiology services to evaluate ophthalmic conditions.

•          Refers and is responsible for the coordination of medical and eye care services with other physicians and/or specialist within and outside of the Santo Domingo Health Center.

•          Provides total patient care including prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services.

•          Assures preparation and completion of comprehensive medical records in a timely appropriate manner in compliance with applicable guidelines.

Administrative duties:  

•          Responsible for the reviewing and following departmental policies and procedures and adhering to KPHC Medical Staff Bylaws and Rules and Regulations.  

•          Participates in mandatory departmental and health center staff meetings.

•          Actively participates in any departmental QA/QI projects.

•          Supervises optometric resident/interns when applicable.

•          Responsible for maintaining an active, unrestricted optometric license from any US state and obtaining a New Mexico Optometry license within the first year of employment.

•          Maintains clinical competence through continuing medical education, self-study, review of professional journals and proficiency training in the use of new bio-medical ophthalmic devices and equipment.

•          Provides professional and technical in-services to facility personnel when applicable.

•          Provides written reports as needed by other physicians and/or agencies.

•          Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Licensing:

• Must have degree from an accredited college/school of Optometry.
• Must hold valid, unrestricted license to practice Optometry from any of the 50 US states or District of Columbia.
• Licensed in the State of New Mexico as an Optometrist within one (1) year from date of hire.

Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited college/school of Optometry, preference will be given to candidates having completed residency training or having three (3) years equivalent post-graduate experience.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Qualifications:

•          Must be TPA and DPA certified.

•          Must have CPR and/or ACLS certification.

•          Demonstrated ability to provide patient care in a respectful, caring manner with cultural awareness.

•          Be able to competently diagnose and manage a caseload where 60-70% is comprised of ocular pathology. 

•          Proficient in speaking, writing, and communication skills.

•          Ability to be educated in the proficient use of numerous technical medical and ophthalmological devices.

•          Comprehensive knowledge of Medical staff by-laws, rules and regulations.

•          Compliance with all requirements for appointment to the position of Optometrist.

•          Eligible to be credentialed and privileged in accordance with Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation medical staff by-laws.

•          Knowledge of policies and regulations on Tort Claims and Third Party Claims.

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

•          Familiarity with the mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act, with regards to suspected incidence of child abuse or child neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Residency training, preferably IHS or other ocular disease training or three (3) years equivalent post-graduate work experience.
• Additional optometric credentialing, certification and/or fellowship.
• Bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.
• Prior experience working with Indian Health Services (IHS), a Tribe or Tribal Organization.
• Familiar with Nextgen EHR and Zeiss Forum

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. This position may be exposed to certain health risks that are inherent when working within a health center facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk and hear. There may be prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well as driving or riding in transport vehicles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with patients, vendors and staff.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

There are a number of deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with a wider variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues. 

OTHER:

All employees must uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent. This position has access to sensitive information and a breach of these principles will be grounds for immediate termination.

Disclaimer:  The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position.  It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.

Salary Range:  $156,499.00 to $234,748.00