V

Responsibilities

• • Examines eyes, using observation, instruments and pharmaceutical agents to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and coordination to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as diabetes or hypertension.
• • Prescribes, supplies, fits and adjusts eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
• • Prescribes medications to treat eye diseases, removes foreign bodies from the eye, and analyzes test results and develops appropriate treatment plans.
• • Prescribes therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision and provides vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
• • Educates and counsels patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors.
• • Provides patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
• • Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.
• • Refers patients to specialists and to relevant patient care components as appropriate.
• • As appropriate to the position, participates in specified health promotion, education and/or prevention programs.
• • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Experience Requirements

3 years

• At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Qualifications

• • Doctorate in Optometry
• • Certification/Licensure: Certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) and licensed by the State of New Mexico.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Skills

• • Knowledge of legal and ethical standards for the delivery of medical care.
• • Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• • Knowledge of relevant drugs and non-pharmaceutical patient care aids and ability to prescribe dosages and instruct patients in correct usage.
• • Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• • Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in area of expertise.
• • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• • Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• • Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• • Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Education Requirements