State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Optometrist (Per Diem) (8277HD)

$95.48-$95.48 Hourly / $6,682.90-$6,682.90 BiWeekly /
$174,423.00-$174,423.00 Yearly


PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Correctional Managed Health Care delivery system, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the State Department of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind this class is accountable for providing professional optometry services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead professional and paraprofessional staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examines eyes to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and visual skill problems and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and color blindness; evaluates infectious, inflammatory and traumatic conditions and prescribes appropriate treatment including topical medicine; analyzes test results to establish a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment; uses noninvasive procedures to remove foreign bodies from the eye; prescribes, adjusts and fits eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids; educates on preventative measures such as contact lens care, therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision and visual hygiene; consults with and refers patients to ophthalmologist if additional treatment is needed; prepares health record documentation and reports on health services; acts as a liaison between agency and community health providers; may participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary evaluation team; performs related duties as required.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Provides low vision rehabilitation to blind and visually impaired patients/clients; implements rehabilitation protocols for low vision care; reviews reports from agency approved low vision providers to ensure consistent application of agency low vision policies and protocols; reviews applications and renewal documents from low vision practitioners to obtain or retain agency approved provider status.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of methods and principles of optometry including visual functions, defects of vision or other conditions or diseases of the visual system; considerable knowledge of current practices of assessment and treatment of visual acuities; knowledge of recent developments in the field of optometry including treatment models and best practices; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; diagnostic, assessment and evaluation skills; ability to analyze and interpret laboratory and other medical reports and findings.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Considerable knowledge of low vision devices and their use; ability to design rehabilitation programs for the blind and visual impaired.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license to practice optometry pursuant to Sec. 20-130 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Incumbents in this class must meet additional credentials as a low vision provider as specified by the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions, communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive clients.

APPOINTMENT

No permanent State Employee may work in a per diem position.

COMPENSATION GUIDELINES

In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement’s compensation guidelines.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Non-Examined

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(21)-Medical, Dental, Veterinary Medicine

BARGAINING UNIT

(11)-HEALTH PROF (P-1)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

HD OP

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Nurse’s Aide (Per Diem) in Salary Group DH NA approved effective April 13, 2022. (Revised to modify content) Final No. 22-098

EFFECTIVE DATE

07/20/2022

CLASS: 8277HD; EST: 7/1/2009; REV: 7/25/2022;