Academic Hourly Optometrist

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Hourly Optometrist provides comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible students at the University of Illinois. The role includes conducting eye examinations, diagnosing vision problems and ocular diseases, prescribing corrective lenses and medications, and providing guidance on eye health and preventive care. The position is needed on an as-needed basis when McKinley Health Center’s staff Optometrist is unavailable. The Optometrist educates patients, documents care, follows up on test results and progress, and collaborates with other providers and health center staff to support effective treatment. The position also contributes to clinics and special events, committees, promotional activities, quality improvement, risk management, and peer review. Employees must provide proof of certain immunizations according to CDC ACIP recommendations. The position is intended to be eligible for benefits.

Requirements

Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry program.
Active state licensure to practice optometry at the time of hiring.
Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Strong diagnostic and clinical assessment skills.
Excellent provider-patient communication skills.
Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality patient care.
Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
Provide proof of certain immunizations according to CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Three years of optometry practice.
Specialized training in pediatrics, low vision, or contact lens fitting.

Responsibilities

Take patient histories, including chief complaints and other concerns.
Diagnose refractive vision conditions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Detect and manage ocular diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and specialty lenses.
Prescribe, administer, and dispense prescription and nonprescription medications and medical devices.
Follow up with patients on laboratory results and progress in a timely manner.
Ensure care is effective and supports positive outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Complete visit documentation promptly and maintain records in accordance with Health Center policies and procedures.
Demonstrate competency in diagnosis and procedure coding.
Maintain the technical and computer application skills needed for effective, efficient patient care.
Use time, patient volume, pharmaceuticals, and supplies efficiently.
Maintain required Illinois licensure and registrations.
Educate patients about eye health, preventive care, corrective lens use, general health promotion, and disease prevention.
Ensure patients understand and assent to their diagnostic and therapeutic plans and understand appropriate alternatives.
Staff clinics and special events to provide patient access.
Treat patients, staff, and colleagues with courtesy and respect.
Refer patients to other providers as appropriate, including emergency departments, primary care, and ophthalmology.
Collaborate with ophthalmologists, technicians, optical staff, and the broader health care team.
Collaborate with and/or supervise mid-level providers as assigned, and use team members according to their licensure and skill level.
Attend and participate in McKinley and campus committees.
Participate in university and health center promotional materials and events.
Participate in quality improvement, risk management, and peer review programs.
Stay current with medical developments through conferences, literature reviews, and consultation with other medical personnel.
Assume related clinical duties that support the mission of the unit.