Position Summary: The Optometrist serves as the lead licensed eye-care professional for PRHS, providing comprehensive optometric services to Tribal community members in a culturally respectful and patient-centered environment. As such, serves as the Department Head of the Optometry Program. Under the general direction of the Chief Operations Officer, and in close collaboration with the CEO and clinical leadership, the Optometrist is responsible for the management, control, and operation of optometry services at PRHS.
The Optometrist provides full-scope primary eye care, oversees optometry clinic operations, ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, and professional standards, and leads quality improvement activities. This position is responsible for clinical care, program development, performance improvement, and supervision of optometry support staff. The Optometrist must obtain and maintain PRHS clinical privileges.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Optometry Program Management and Clinical Leadership
1. Plan, Implement, and direct the Optometry Program, including clinical operations, staffing, workflow, and service delivery.
2. Establish, maintain, and update optometry policies, procedures, and clinical protocols in alignment with PRHS, IHS, and AAAHC standards.
3. Oversee quality control and performance improvement activities for the Optometry Department.
4. Develop and maintain procedure manuals, training materials, and competency standards for optometry personnel.
5. Participate in service unit performance improvement planning and ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
6. Provide technical guidance to optometry staff and ensure completion of mandatory training and continuing education.
7. Ensure adequate staffing, scheduling, and coverage for optometry services.
Optometry Operations and Clinical Care
1. Diagnose visual and ocular conditions through external and internal evaluation of the eye and adnexa.
2. Treat visual, ophthalmic, and related disorders through corrective lenses, therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, and other standard treatments consistent with granted privileges.
3. Provide emergency eye care, including evaluation and treatment of ocular trauma, acute pathology, and urgent visual complaints.
4. Perform comprehensive eye examinations, including refraction, binocular vision assessment, and ocular health evaluation.
5. Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests such as OCT, visual fields, fundus photography, pachymetry, and other imaging modalities.
6. Provide inpatient consults or support ophthalmology services when appropriate.
7. Maintain the optometry formulary and ensure availability of clinically necessary supplies and medications.
8. Maintain eyewear inventory and provide CFO with annual inventory list.
9. Ensure the optometry clinic is maintained in a clean, organized, and compliant condition at all times.
10. Oversee operation and maintenance of optometric equipment, diagnostic technology, and EHR documentation workflows.
11. Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements for documentation, infection control, equipment calibration, and patient safety.
12. Participate in emergency preparedness and disaster response planning to ensure continuity of optometry services.
13. Ensure proper PPE use, donning and doffing procedures, and adherence to infection control protocols.
14. Participate in workflow testing and EHR optimization projects as assigned.
Patient Care, Education, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
1. Provide culturally responsive patient education regarding eye health, chronic disease impacts, preventive care, and treatment plans.
2. Collaborate with medical, dental, behavioral health, and community health staff to support integrated, whole-person care.
3. Participate in clinical team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.
4. Provide pre- and post-operative care for cataract and other ophthalmic procedures when appropriate.
5. Identify and refer patients requiring ophthalmology or specialty care, ensuring appropriate follow-up and coordination.
6. Assist in identifying and resolving adverse events, documentation errors, or clinical workflow issues, contributing to root cause analyses and corrective action plans.
7. Support diabetes program initiatives by providing retinal screenings and coordinating care for patients with chronic disease.
Supervision and Staff Management
1. Supervise, train, and evaluate Optometry Assistants or Technicians as assigned.
2. Delegate appropriate clinical and administrative tasks to support staff while maintaining professional oversight.
3. Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment within the Optometry Department.
4. Participate in the hiring process for optometry support staff as needed.
5. Ensure all optometry staff maintain required competencies, certifications, and annual training.
Compliance, Documentation and Reporting
1. Ensure optometry operations comply with all applicable Tribal, federal, and state regulations, including clinical documentation standards.
2. Maintain accurate patient records, diagnostic reports, and encounter documentation in accordance with PRHS and Medi-Cal requirements.
3. Prepare and submit required reports, including monthly Board reports, quality metrics, and equipment logs.
4. Complete and maintain continuing education requirements and all required licensure and certifications.
5. Serve as the primary point of contact for optometry-related audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
6. Ensure adherence to PRHS policies related to privacy, HIPAA, infection control, and patient safety.
7. Maintain and update optometry policies, including quality assurance, equipment maintenance, and operational compliance.
8. Ensure compliance with credentialing and privileging requirements; failure to maintain privileges may result in corrective action.
Community and Cultural Engagement
1. Participate in community health outreach events, school screenings, health fairs, and wellness programs serving Tribal members.
2. Demonstrate respect for Tribal sovereignty, culture, values, and traditions in all patient interactions and professional activities.
3. Support culturally appropriate health education initiatives related to vision care, chronic disease management, and preventive eye health.
4. Engage with Traditional Healers and Natural Helpers when appropriate to support culturally aligned patient education.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Required Qualifications:
1. Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
2. Completion of an accredited optometry residency preferred.
3. Passing score on NBEO examinations.
4. Current, full, unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state or territory.
5. Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) certification preferred or obtained within 12 months.
6. One year of specialized clinical experience diagnosing, managing, treating ocular disease and supervisory experience.
7. Experience providing clinical guidance, reviewing policies, or participating in quality assurance activities preferred.
8. Experience in Tribal health, IHS, community health, or rural practice preferred.
9. Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR), preferably RPMS/EHR.
10. Must meet PRHS Medical Staff Bylaws for credentialing and privileging.
11. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
12. Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
13. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and Tribal privacy policies.
14. Knowledge of or willingness to learn Tribal customs, traditions, and community health priorities.
15. Tribal Preference in hiring will be applied in accordance with PRHS policy.
16. Indian Preference eligibility is a plus and must be documented at time of application.
Pay: $190,967.00 - $234,207.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Family leave
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
