Optometrist at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation – Dillingham, Alaska

About Company:

Our Mission: We provide quality health care with competence, compassion, and sensitivity. We generously welcome you to join us in a place of unrivaled natural beauty, endless recreational opportunities, and a sustainable rural way of life. Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC) is a tribal health organization that represents 28 tribes throughout the region, which is approximately 35,000 square miles.

BBAHC is comprised of four subregions, each distinct in history, culture, natural resources, and community priorities. The regions include: Nushagak River & Bay Central, Southern, Western, and Kvichak Bay & North Side Peninsula. BBAHC manages the Bristol Bay Service Unit for the Indian Health Service and has done so since 1980. The main campus of the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation is in Dillingham, which is located at the confluence of the Nushagak and Wood River systems and is a regional hub of the Bristol Bay salmon fishing district.

BBAHC operates the Kanakanak Hospital along with 21 Village Clinics, all of which are HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) Clinics. Clinical services include: Pharmacy, Medical Imaging, Laboratory, Dental, Optometry, Audiology, and Physical Therapy. The Kanakanak Campus also includes a residential treatment facility and a behaviorial health counseling center. BBAHC is Joint Commission Accredited and upholds high standards for quality patient care.

About the Role:

As an Optometrist, you will play a critical role in providing comprehensive eye care to patients across diverse age groups. Your primary objective will be to assess, diagnose, and manage various visual and ocular health conditions to improve patients' quality of life. You will conduct thorough eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases early to facilitate timely treatment or referral. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, you will ensure holistic patient care and contribute to community eye health education. Ultimately, your expertise will help prevent vision loss and promote optimal eye health within the communities you serve.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited optometry school.
• Valid state license to practice optometry in the United States, ability to obtain Alaska Licensure within one (1) year of hire.
• Completion of all required clinical internships or residencies.
• Strong knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced diagnostic equipment such as OCT, visual field analyzers, and retinal imaging.
• Certification or training in specialty areas such as pediatric optometry, low vision rehabilitation, or contact lens fitting.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and practice management software.
• Participation in professional optometry organizations or continuing education programs.
• Bilingual abilities to serve diverse patient populations.

Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed eye examinations to evaluate vision and detect eye abnormalities or diseases.
• Prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids tailored to individual patient needs.
• Diagnose and manage ocular conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery, including referrals to ophthalmologists when necessary.
• Educate patients on eye health, preventive care, and proper use of prescribed corrective devices.
• Maintain accurate patient records, document clinical findings, and update treatment plans accordingly.
• Stay current with advancements in optometry and participate in continuing education to enhance clinical skills.

Skills:

The required skills enable the optometrist to conduct precise eye examinations and accurately diagnose a wide range of visual and ocular conditions, ensuring effective treatment plans. Strong communication skills are essential for explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Proficiency with diagnostic instruments and technology enhances the ability to detect subtle changes in eye health and monitor disease progression. Preferred skills such as experience with specialty areas and advanced equipment allow for expanded patient services and improved clinical outcomes. Additionally, familiarity with electronic health records streamlines patient documentation and supports coordinated care within multidisciplinary teams.