Summary

Diagnoses, manages and treats conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examines eyes and visual system, diagnoses problems or impairments, prescribes corrective lenses, and provides treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. Prescribes, supplies, fits and adjusts eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
3. Prescribes medications to treat eye diseases, removes foreign bodies from the eye, and analyzes test results and develops appropriate treatment plans.
4. Prescribes therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision and provides vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
5. Educates and counsels patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors.
6. Provides patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
7. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.
8. Refers patients to specialists and to relevant patient care components as appropriate.
9. As appropriate to the position, participates in specified health promotion, education and/or prevention programs.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Doctorate in Optometry; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• 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.

Conditions of Employment

• May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
• Must maintain certification and/or licensure status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/25/2021