Optometrist Position at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte, SD - Indian Health Service

Location: Eagle Butte, SD - Cheyenne River Health Center

Employment Type: Full Time, 1-year contract with potential for extension

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Shifts: 10-12 people per shift

Housing: Government housing available; assistance with finding other housing options is provided

Setting: Outpatient Clinic

Overview: Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, SD, part of the Indian Health Service, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Optometrist to join our team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive optometry services in an outpatient clinic setting. This position requires a compassionate professional who is committed to providing high-quality eye care to our community. The optometrist will work closely with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated and comprehensive health services.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Perform Comprehensive Eye Exams: Conduct thorough eye health and vision assessments including but not limited to visual acuity, refraction, and binocular vision tests.

1. Diagnose and Manage Ocular Diseases: Identify and treat conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and conjunctivitis.

1. Prescribe Corrective Lenses: Determine and prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, ensuring optimal visual correction.

1. Provide Pre- and Post-operative Care: Offer consultation and follow-up care for patients undergoing eye surgery or procedures.

1. Emergency Eye Care Services: Provide immediate attention to ocular emergencies, offering first-line treatment and referrals when necessary.

1. Patient Education: Educate patients on eye health, preventive care, and the use of glasses or contact lenses.

1. Vision Therapy: Assess visual function and prescribe therapeutic exercises for conditions like strabismus or amblyopia.

1. Low Vision Services: Assist patients with significant vision impairment, recommending devices and strategies to maximize their remaining vision.

1. Utilize and Maintain Optometric Equipment: Ensure all optometric instruments and equipment are in working order and utilized correctly during examinations and treatments.

1. Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals: Work closely with other medical practitioners within the health center to provide integrated care.

1. Maintain Patient Records: Accurately document patient history, examination findings, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

1. Stay Current with Optometric Best Practices: Engage in continuous education and professional development to ensure the highest standard of care.

1. Community Health Initiatives: Participate in community health programs, screenings, and education to promote eye health awareness.

1. Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as professional standards concerning optometry practice and patient privacy.

1. Schedule Management: Efficiently manage appointment schedules to accommodate patient needs and maintain clinic flow.

1. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) / CERTIFIED EDUCATION UNITS (CEU) REQUIREMENTS.  Maintain CME and review pertinent journals, books and publications.  Health care providers registered or certified by the national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. CME hours shall be reported to the credentials office for tracking by the Clinical Director

1. TRAINING/EXPERIENCE. The contractor shall have completed an accredited Optometry Residency Program with a minimum of six months experience in the specialty required by the contract, unless otherwise approved by the CRHC MEC. There must be no lapse of services of no more than six (6) months prior to beginning tour of duty with CRHC

1. CREDENTIALING/LICENSE/REGISTRATION. The contractor shall be board-eligible or board certified with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and shall possess a current, valid, unrestricted Optometry license in any state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a Territory of the United States, throughout the term of this contract. If the contractor is asked to perform outside the normal training parameters of his/her specialty, then the contractor shall provide certification of hospital privileges in those additional scope of practice(s).

1. EXPERIENCE.  The Optometrist must have a minimum of 3 years of experience within Optometry to include fellow and residency time within the past 36 months prior to Optometrist beginning performance at Cheyenne River Health Center.