Advanced Practice Provider (PA) - UNC Eye Carolina Crossing

Advanced Practice Provider (PA) - UNC Eye Carolina Crossing

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Neuro-Ophthalmology Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

Department of Ophthalmology | Academic Medical Center

Position Overview

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will serve as an integral member of a multidisciplinary neuro-ophthalmology team within an academic medical center. This role supports the evaluation and management of complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions through a combination of independent clinical practice, procedural care, care coordination, and collaboration across specialties.

The APP will work closely with neuro-ophthalmology faculty, residents, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care across both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

Perform comprehensive patient evaluations in neuro-ophthalmology clinics, including history taking, examination, assessment, and documentation.

Assist in the diagnosis and management of neuro-ophthalmic conditions, including optic neuropathies, intracranial hypertension, diplopia, and visual field defects.

Order, interpret, and synthesize diagnostic testing, including neuroimaging (MRI, CT), ocular imaging (OCT, fundus photography), and visual field testing.

Develop and implement care plans in collaboration with supervising physicians.

Communicate results, diagnoses, and management plans clearly and compassionately with patients and families.

Procedural Responsibilities

Perform temporal artery biopsies within scope and institutional guidelines.

Perform and interpret point-of-care ultrasound of the temporal arteries, globe, and orbit.

Assist with infusion-based therapies, including corticosteroids and immunomodulatory treatments.

Care Coordination & Longitudinal Management

Order appropriate laboratory studies and diagnostic testing.

Track, review, and follow up on imaging, laboratory results, and other diagnostics.

Coordinate care for complex patients across multiple specialties and care settings.

Assist in obtaining outside medical records and prior imaging studies.

Ensure timely follow-up on care plans, treatment pathways, and patient outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Serve as a liaison between Neuro-Ophthalmology and collaborating services, including Neurology, Neurosurgery, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine.

Participate in multidisciplinary care discussions and shared patient management.

Consult & Inpatient Support

Assist with inpatient and emergency consult evaluations for neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

Participate in triage and evaluation of urgent and emergent cases.

Support the neuro-ophthalmology call structure as appropriate.

Education & Academic Mission

Assist in teaching residents and medical students in clinic and consult settings.

Support trainee education through case discussions and clinical guidance.

Participate in departmental educational conferences and academic activities.

Administrative & Communication Responsibilities

Manage patient communication through Epic, MyChart, and other platforms.

Assist in maintaining and managing the Neuro-Ophthalmology inbox.

Respond to patient inquiries in a timely, professional, and patient-centered manner.

Support clinic efficiency through order management, documentation, and workflow optimization.

Scope of Practice, Autonomy & Supervision

The APP will practice with a high degree of autonomy within established clinical protocols and in collaboration with neuro-ophthalmology faculty.

Clinical responsibilities will expand based on experience, demonstrated competency, and departmental needs.

Care will be delivered in accordance with institutional policies, state regulations, and supervising physician agreements.

Attending physicians will remain available for consultation, oversight, and escalation of care as appropriate.

Why This Role Matters

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of neurology and ophthalmology, managing diagnostically complex and intellectually engaging cases. The APP will play a key role in improving patient access, enhancing care coordination, and contributing to the academic mission of teaching and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Other Information

Education Requirements: Completion of an accredited graduate-level Advanced Practice Provider (APRN or PA) program. Licensure/Certification Requirements: Licensed as an Advanced Practice Provider (i.e., Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) in the state of North Carolina. Strongly prefer a Physician Assistant.

Board certification if required by the Department. DEA.

Professional Experience Requirements: No prior experience required. Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements: Demonstrated clinical competency. Effective leadership skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Demonstrated written and verbal communication and strong analytical skills. Effective interaction to ensure the successful care of patients in the clinical setting. Documentation in the medical record to substantiate accurate billing.

Experience in ophthalmology, neurology, or neuro-ophthalmology preferred.

Strong diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills.

Comfort managing complex, multidisciplinary, and high-acuity patients. Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills