Optometrist – Ocular Allergy Assessments (Conjunctival Allergen Challenge)
Ark Clinical Research / Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Care Medical Center — Long Beach, CA
Contract / PRN
Position summary
We are seeking a licensed optometrist to perform and grade bilateral conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) procedures for clinical research studies in allergic conjunctivitis. This is a research role: the optometrist instills escalating allergen doses into both eyes to provoke a controlled allergic response, then grades the ocular signs and symptoms that serve as study endpoints. Because these gradings are the trial data, precise, reproducible scoring is the single most important skill for this position.
Key responsibilities
- Perform bilateral instillation of allergen (and diluent/control) per protocol during titration/screening and challenge visits
- Grade ocular redness across the three vessel beds — bulbar, limbal, and palpebral conjunctiva — using the study's standardized 0–4 scale
- Collect and record subject-reported ocular itching on the 0–4 scale (0.5 increments), plus associated signs such as tearing, chemosis, lid swelling, and mucous discharge as required
- Conduct slit-lamp examination and confirm eligibility criteria at screening
- Apply grading scales consistently across subjects, eyes, and visits to minimize variability
- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous source documentation in compliance with GCP, protocol, and sponsor requirements
- Recognize and appropriately escalate adverse ocular reactions
Qualifications
- Current, unrestricted Doctor of Optometry (OD) license in California
- Proficiency with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and standardized ocular grading scales
- Exceptional attention to detail and consistency — able to apply a graded scale the same way every time
- Prior clinical research / CAC experience and GCP training preferred (training available)
Pay: $100.00 - $150.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
