Optometrist

Optometrist Position

The Optometrist provides comprehensive primary eye care services to patients of all ages at Health Care Partners of South Carolina. As part of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), this position delivers high-quality, patient-centered care through both traditional clinic services and the HCPSC Mobile Health Unit, expanding access to eye care for underserved and rural communities. The Optometrist works collaboratively with primary care providers, behavioral health, dental, and other interdisciplinary team members to promote overall health and improve patient outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive eye examinations for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients to diagnose, treat, and manage visual disorders and ocular diseases.

• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and other ocular diseases.

• Prescribe corrective lenses, contact lenses, and therapeutic medications as permitted by South Carolina law.

• Order and interpret diagnostic testing, including retinal imaging and other ophthalmic procedures, as clinically appropriate.

• Provide preventive eye care, patient education, and counseling regarding eye health, disease prevention, and treatment plans.

• Practice within the HCPSC Mobile Health Unit by providing eye care services at community locations, schools, and outreach events as assigned.

• Coordinate patient care with primary care providers, behavioral health, dental, specialists, and ophthalmologists to ensure continuity of care.

• Refer patients for specialty ophthalmologic evaluation and surgical services when clinically indicated.

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and support HRSA Uniform Data System (UDS) quality measures.

• Participate in community outreach activities and health education initiatives that support HCPSC's mission of improving access to care.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and protect health information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) accredited college of optometry required.

• Current, unrestricted South Carolina Optometry license with Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent (TPA) certification required.

• Current National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) certification preferred.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

• Experience providing comprehensive primary eye care in an outpatient, community health center, or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) preferred.

• Experience serving underserved or medically vulnerable populations preferred.

• Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems preferred.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of comprehensive eye care, ocular disease management, contact lens fitting, and preventive vision care.

• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and the ability to maintain the confidentiality, security, and integrity of patient information.

• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills with the ability to develop individualized patient care plans.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to compassionate, culturally competent, patient-centered care.

• Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.

Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and travel to community locations utilizing the HCPSC Mobile Health Unit.