Optometrist - Jacksonville NMC

Optometrist

Location : Naval Medical Center Jacksonville (NMC Jacksonville)

Summary : An Optometrist at a military medical center like Naval Medical Center Jacksonville (NMC Jacksonville) provides comprehensive eye care to active-duty service members, their families, and other eligible beneficiaries. This is a crucial role that ensures the vision health of military personnel is maintained for both operational readiness and overall well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Comprehensive Eye Exams : Conduct full-scope optometry services, including comprehensive eye exams to assess vision, check for refractive errors, and screen for ocular diseases.

Refractive Services : Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. This may also involve managing pre- and post-operative care for refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK.

Ocular Pathology Treatment : Diagnose, treat, and manage various eye conditions and diseases.

Surgical Co-management : Collaborate with ophthalmologists on surgical cases, providing pre- and post-operative care.

Subspecialty Focus : May have opportunities to focus on subspecialties such as low vision, traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, or specialty contact lenses.

Documentation and Record Keeping : Maintain accurate and detailed patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) system.

Patient Education : Counsel patients on their diagnoses, treatment plans, and proper eye care practices.

Qualifications and Requirements :

Education : Must have a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an optometry school accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

Licensure : A current, valid, and unrestricted state optometry license is required.

Certification : Basic Life Support (BLS) and / or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is often required.

Experience : Previous experience in a refractive surgery center or a military medical setting is often preferred.

Citizenship : Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Security : Must be able to meet all security requirements for base access and employment.

Skills : Strong clinical diagnostic skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative healthcare team.

Compensation and Benefits :

Salary : Compensation is highly competitive and often includes a salary guarantee and / or a sign-on bonus.

Benefits : Positions often come with a comprehensive benefits package, which may include paid time off (PTO), sick leave, federal holidays, and a 401(k) plan.

Work-Life Balance : The position typically offers a standard weekday schedule, without required federal holiday or weekend work.