Optometrist

Job Purpose:

Diagnoses and treats visual system diseases and disorders by assessing patient's condition; establishing diagnoses; developing treatment plans; treating patients; prescribing medications; maintaining records.



Duties:

* Assesses patient's condition by examining the internal and external structure of the eyes and eye health; testing patient's visual acuity, depth and color perception, and ability to focus and coordinate the eyes; administering drugs to aid in diagnosing diseases and disorders.



* Develops treatment plans by analyzing test results; establishing diagnoses, such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders; systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes; and vision conditions including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.



* Treats patients by explaining condition and treatment to patient; prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses; providing vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation; prescribing and administering medications; providing pre- and post-operative care for cataracts, laser vision correction, and other eye surgeries.



* Treats special problems by referring patients to specialists.



* Documents patient care by charting patient condition and treatment in records.



* Maintains patient confidence by keeping information confidential.



* Maintains safe, septic, and healthy working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.



* Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.



* Develops staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs.



* Maintains professional knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.



* Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.