Optometrist (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Enfield, CT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Correction is hiring an Optometrist to provide professional optometry services to patients at correctional facilities in northern Connecticut. The position serves Osborn, MacDougall-Walker, Willard-Cybulski, and Carl Robinson Correctional Institutions. It is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week role on first shift, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Optometrist provides clinical care to an underserved and vulnerable patient population in a correctional setting, working in a safe, collaborative environment with nursing and administrative support. The role uses a modern electronic health record, and malpractice insurance is covered by the State of Connecticut.

The position provides professional optometry services, including examining and diagnosing visual conditions, determining appropriate treatment, prescribing and fitting vision aids, educating patients on vision care, and coordinating with community health providers and ophthalmologists when needed.

Requirements

• Possess and maintain a license to practice optometry pursuant to Section 20-130 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• Possess and maintain eligibility to participate in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(f).
• Have considerable knowledge of optometry methods and principles, visual functions, vision defects, and conditions or diseases of the visual system.
• Know current practices for assessing and treating visual acuities.
• Have knowledge of recent developments in optometry, including treatment models and best practices.
• Have considerable interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Have diagnostic, assessment, and evaluation skills.
• Be able to analyze and interpret laboratory and other medical reports and findings.

Nice To Haves

• Possess and maintain relevant registrations and/or certifications, if required.

Responsibilities

• Examine eyes to assess visual acuity and perception, focus, and visual skills, and diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and color blindness.
• Evaluate infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic eye conditions and prescribe appropriate treatment, including topical medicine.
• Analyze test results to establish diagnoses and determine appropriate treatment.
• Use noninvasive procedures to remove foreign bodies from the eye.
• Prescribe, adjust, and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
• Educate patients on preventative measures, contact lens care, therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision, and visual hygiene.
• Consult with and refer individuals to an ophthalmologist when additional treatment is needed.
• Prepare health record documentation and reports on health services.
• Act as a liaison between the agency and community health providers.
• May participate as a member of a multidisciplinary evaluation team.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance plans
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave accruals
• State holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System Tier IV
• Eligibility to retire after 25 years of service, regardless of age, as a Hazardous Duty employee
• Malpractice insurance covered by the State of Connecticut
• Healthy work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed