Optometrist

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium; Sitka (AK); On-site; USD 202,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation stipend

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with employer match

CME allowance

Job summary

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) seeks a full‑time Optometrist to provide comprehensive eye care across Sitka and rural SE Alaska. The role supports the Optometrist-Lead and may supervise clinic staff; travel to field clinics is expected, with a focus on community health and Alaska Native populations.

The position offers competitive compensation, sign‑on bonus, relocation stipend, and robust benefits including medical, dental, vision, CME support, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• OD degree and Alaska license or ability to obtain one.
• BLS certification within 3 months.
• New graduates encouraged; 2+ years post-graduate experience or residency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive eye care including diagnosis, treatment, and co-management.
• Accurate and timely medical recordkeeping.
• Conduct Eye Care Clinics at SEARHC locations and travel to field clinics.
• On-the-job training and competency support for Eye Care Clinic staff.
• Sponsor Dispensing Optician Apprentices and possibly mentor optometry students.
• Support regulatory compliance and SEARHC policies; travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Advanced eye care knowledge

Leadership

Teamwork

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Education

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

Job description

The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive eye care services to patients throughout the SEARHC region. The optometrist is on the Medical Staff and cares for patients of all ages. This position provides support to the Optometrist-Lead in the day-to-day operations of the local Eye Care Clinic and in absence of the Optometrist-Lead will provide supervision of the local Eye Care Clinic staff. SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career.

Why Join SEARHC?

We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more. Join SEARHC (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium) in beautiful Sitka, Alaska—where mission-driven care meets one of the most stunning and culturally rich environments in the country. We are seeking a full-time compassionate and skilled Optometrist to join an established and collegial team at the new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center Eye Care Clinic, serving a diverse patient population and supporting community health in both clinic and rural settings. As one of the largest Native-run healthcare organizations in the United States, SEARHC is committed to providing quality healthcare that honors the traditions of Alaska Native people and American Indians, while ensuring that advanced medical technologies are made accessible to all. Brand-new clinic and co-located with modern infrastructure in the new $300 million Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center opened in April 2026. In 2021 SEARHC opened the Wrangell Medical Center. With plans to build a third critical-access hospital in Haines. In addition to the dozens of established outpatient and traveling clinics throughout the region.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation salary: $202,000 -$225,000 based on years of experience, with additional quality incentives.
• Financial incentives: $35,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Relocation Stipend: $25,000
• Healthcare benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage with flexible spending options (FSAs).
• Life insurance
• Long and short-term disability
• Accident - Critical Illness – Hospital Insurances
• Identity & Fraud Protection
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Professional development: $6000 pre-tax annual CME allowance.
• Retirement planning: 401k plan with up to 5% employer match beginning on your date of hire
• Roth plans
• 457b plans.
• Paid Time Off: 33 days (264 hours) annually
• CME: 10 days (80 hours) of CME annually.

Practice Details

• Schedule: Monday - Friday. No call.
• Clinic Facilities: Brand new and fully equipped clinic with 2 exam rooms, 1 testing room.
• Patient Volume: ~14 patients per day with 2:1 Assistant.
• Technology: Meditech EMR, OCT, visual field, retinal cameras, Pentacam, Zeiss Forum, Expanding laser capabilities.
• Regional & Outreach Care: Primarily based in Sitka with traveling to field clinics in communities such as Haines, Wrangell, Angoon, and Kake. Full-service care in rural settings.

Qualifications

New graduates are encouraged to apply. Two or more years of post-graduate clinical experience or residency preferred. Doctor of Optometry (O.D.). Active/unrestricted Alaska license (or ability to obtain). BLS certification within 3 months.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities

• Provide comprehensive eye care including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, minor procedures, coordination of care, referrals, consultations, patient or community education and co-management as applicable.
• Accurate and timely medical recordkeeping.
• Conduct field Eye Care Clinics to SEARHC locations.
• Assist with on-the-job training and competency of the local Eye Care Clinic staff.
• May sponsor Dispensing Optician Apprentices.
• May precept and mentor optometry students.
• Support departmental compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, accreditation programs and SEARHC policies and procedures.
• Travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience Required Preferred

Completion of Optometric Residency or Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry or a current Optometry Board Certification OR 2 years of clinical optometry experience.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of Advanced eye care knowledge to perform clinical duties that meet the standards of care set by the American Optometric Association.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully through oral and written communication.
• Leadership.
• Teamwork.
• Problem solving.
• Conflict resolution.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize to meet deadlines.

Field travel may require lifting of equipment in totes which may weigh up to 50 pounds each. Field travel may require travel by jet, small aircraft, or ferry.

Required Certifications & Information

We Want You to Join our Team Southeast Alaska is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, proudest Native cultures, and thriving pioneer spirits. SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) helps to keep it healthy. Every career with SEARHC comes with a positive work culture, a team with shared values, and competitive benefits. SEARHC offers sign-on bonuses for Registered Nurses, Hot Jobs and Certified Nurses Assistants. At SEARHC, we are passionate about enhancing the health and wellbeing of our team as well as the communities we serve.

Location: Experience the unmatched beauty and lifestyle of Sitka, Alaska—where oceanfront living, abundant outdoor recreation, and a close-knit community come together to create a truly unique and rewarding place to live and practice.

Affordability: Alaska has no state income tax — residents keep more of their paycheck compared to most other states.

Education: Sitka offers a highly regarded school system with small class sizes, strong academic performance, and a supportive, community-centered environment—ideal for families seeking a high-quality education experience.

Transportation: Sitka offers convenient and reliable transportation, with daily commercial flights connecting to Seattle and Juneau, a local road system that makes getting around town simple, and access to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system for scenic regional travel throughout Southeast Alaska.

Culture: Sitka offers a rich cultural experience, blending strong Alaska Native heritage—particularly Tlingit traditions—with a vibrant arts community, local festivals, and a deep sense of history that creates a unique and welcoming environment.

SEARHC Embodies Our Values

• Respect
• Cultural Identity
• Service
• Professionalism
• Compassion