Optometrist

Position Summary

The Optometrist provides high-quality, comprehensive primary eye care to underserved and vulnerable populations within the Health Care Partners of South Carolina framework. This role is unique in its dual-environment approach, requiring the provider to practice both in a traditional outpatient clinic and via a Mobile Health Unit to reach rural or isolated community sites. The Optometrist works as part of an integrated primary care team to manage ocular disease, provide vision correction, and address the social determinants of health that impact patient outcomes   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Clinical Care: Conduct comprehensive eye examinations for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients to diagnose and treat visual disorders and ocular disease.
• Mobile Unit Operations: Travel to and operate within the organization’s Mobile Health Unit. This includes setting up portable diagnostic equipment and adapting clinical workflows to community-based settings (e.g., schools, shelters, or rural outposts).
• Disease Management: Diagnose and manage chronic conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, while coordinating with primary care providers for systemic management.
• Integrated Treatment: Refer patients to internal medical, dental, or behavioral health services and manage external referrals for specialty surgical care when necessary.
• Pharmacological Intervention: Prescribe and manifest topical and oral medications for the treatment of eye diseases as permitted by state licensure.
• Administrative & Compliance: Maintain timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to meet HRSA, UDS, and Meaningful Use requirements.
• Public Health Mission: Support the sliding fee scale program and participate in community outreach and health education initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an ACOE-accredited college of optometry.
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted license to practice optometry in the state of employment with therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification.
• Certifications: Active National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) certification; current BLS/CPR certification.
• Mission Alignment: Demonstrated commitment to community health and providing care to diverse, low-income, and uninsured populations.
• Language Skills: Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish/English) is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements & Technical Proficiency

• Physical Demands: Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods. Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs (e.g., portable diagnostic cases or mobile unit equipment).
• Adaptability: Ability to work in the confined space of a mobile medical vehicle and navigate various environmental conditions at community sites.
• EHR Proficiency: Advanced skills in navigating Electronic Health Records and Population Health Management software.
• Equipment Mastery: Expert operation of standard and portable diagnostic tools, including slit lamps, phoropters, retinal cameras, and OCT technology.

• Accommodation: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Disclaimers and Signatures

At-Will Employment Disclaimer:
Employment with Health Care Partners of South Carolina is at-will. This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Nothing in this job description shall be construed as a contract of employment or a guarantee of continued employment.

General Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.