Optometrist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, the Optometrist provides direct clinical care to patients at the health center. The Optometrist is a member of the Care Team with the purpose of providing evidenced-based and quality medical care to Zufall Health Center patients.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Provides eye care services for patients of Zufall Health, including but not limited to comprehensive eye examinations, diagnosis and management of ocular diseases, prescription of corrective lenses (if applicable), referral to ophthalmologists or other specialists when appropriate, and other duties as assigned. Ensures continuity and quality of patient care.
• Leads and collaborates with assigned clinical support staff to deliver exceptional and accessible preventive, acute, and chronic eye care to a diverse patient population. Educates patients and families about eye health and vision care.
• Participates in extended service hours including occasional evenings or weekends as scheduled. Adjusts availability as needed to support patient demand and clinic operations.
• Assists patients in obtaining additional services such as low vision aids, specialty referrals, or surgical consultations. Works closely with the Chief Medical Officer to build relationships with external providers, optical labs, and vision care networks to enhance patient access and care coordination.
• Participates in clinical quality improvement initiatives and peer chart reviews as assigned. Attends and contributes to regular medical staff and team meetings as deemed necessary by leadership.
• Supports clinic operations by maintaining compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Ensures that licensure, certifications, and continuing education requirements are current. Adheres to and helps refine clinical protocols and practice guidelines.
• Participates in community outreach including vision screenings, health fairs, and educational workshops. Supports staff training, mentorship, and may precept optometry students or interns as needed.
• Maintains professional affiliations and stays informed of advancements in optometric care, techniques, and public health concerns.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Officer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform successfully, the individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of patients and colleagues.
• Flexibility and commitment to working variable hours as required to meet clinic needs.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and general computer applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Bilingual and/or bicultural candidates are highly valued; ability to speak both English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience in community health or underserved care settings is highly desirable.

Education, Training, Experience

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).
• Active license to practice optometry in the state of New Jersey, in good standing.
• Certification to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) as required by New Jersey regulations.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) and eligibility to participate in Medicare, Medicaid, and other health programs.
• Current BLS certification; other certifications (e.g., Advanced Procedures, Low Vision) may be preferred depending on clinic scope.
• Minimum 1 year of post-graduate clinical experience preferred; new graduates with strong clinical training may be considered.