Optometrist (Locum) at Equity Afia

Job Summary:

• This role is responsible for providing comprehensive eye care services. You examine patients' eyes, diagnose eye conditions, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment for various eye-related issues. You play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve and maintain good vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting Eye Examinations
• Perform detailed eye examinations to assess patients' visual acuity, refractive errors, binocular vision, and ocular health.
• Using specialized equipment and techniques to diagnose and detect eye conditions.
• Prescription of Corrective Measures
• Prescribe and dispense appropriate eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other visual aids based on patients' individual needs and visual requirements.
• Provide guidance on proper care and maintenance of eyewear.
• Provide guidance and recommendations on lens options, frames, and proper care for eyewear. Considering factors such as the patient's refractive errors, lifestyle, occupational needs, and personal preferences.
• Diagnosing and Treating Eye Conditions
• Identify and diagnose various eye disorders, diseases, and abnormalities.
• Develop treatment plans and provide recommendations for managing conditions like dry eyes, conjunctivitis, astigmatism, and strabismus prescribe medications.
• Provide therapeutic interventions and refer patients to specialized eye care professionals if necessary.
• Contact Lens Fittings and Management
• Assess patients' suitability for contact lens wear, perform contact lens fittings, and provide guidance on proper insertion, removal, and maintenance care.
• Monitor and manage contact lens-related complications ,infections or discomfort.
• Offering Pre- and Post-operative Care
• Collaborate with ophthalmologists and surgeons in providing pre-operative assessments and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract extraction, refractive surgeries, or corneal procedures.
• Monitor post-operative healing, manage complications, and educate patients on post-operative care instructions.
• Providing Vision Therapy
• Design and implement vision therapy programs to improve visual function and correct vision-related issues.
• This may involve exercises, specialized lenses, and other therapeutic techniques aimed at enhancing eye coordination, focus, and perception.
• Patient Education and Counseling
• Educate patients on maintaining optimal eye health practices and preventing eye diseases.
• Discuss the effects of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, environmental conditions, and excessive screen time, on eye health.
• Provide guidance on lifestyle adjustments, occupational eye safety, including the use of protective eyewear.
• Record Keeping and Documentation
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including examination findings, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescribed medications or corrective devices, and any follow-up recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines as well as equity Afia standards Operating procedures for patient record-keeping and confidentiality.
• Collaboration and Referrals
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners, pediatricians, neurologists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Make referrals to specialists or healthcare facilities when necessary for further evaluation or management of complex eye conditions.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance
• Adhere to the regulations, guidelines, and standards set by the Kenya Optometric Association and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
• Manage administrative tasks related to patient scheduling, record-keeping, billing, and inventory management.
• Adhere to Equity Afia limited policies, protocols, and quality assurance standards.
• Participate in meetings, committees, and initiatives aimed at improving patient care and optimizing clinic operations.
• Staying Updated
• Stay informed about advancements in optometry, new diagnostic tools, treatment methods, and research findings.
• Engage in continuous professional development through attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and reading relevant literature.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Diploma in Optometry
• Licensed Optometrist with Optometrists’ Association of Kenya

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year relevant experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficient in computer applications
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of eye anatomy, physiology, and common eye conditions.
• Ability to prescribe and fit corrective lenses accurately.
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the healthcare team.