Optometrist

Akicita Federal; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Akicita Federal is seeking two Optometrists to deliver comprehensive eye care to American Indian and Alaska Native patients at WWKMHCC in Sisseton, South Dakota. You will perform full eye exams, diagnose diseases, and manage treatment plans within a federally supported rural health setting.

Candidates should have an OD degree, an active license (SD preferred), and be able to pass a background check. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and commitment to preventive care are essential

Qualifications

• Current, valid Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school.
• Active, unrestricted license to practice optometry (SD license preferred).
• Ability to pass FBI background check and adjudication before starting.
• Must not appear on the HHS LEIE list.

Responsibilities

• Provide complete optometric examinations, diagnose ocular diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses and treatment plans.
• Diagnose and manage glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other disorders.
• Document encounters and findings in the facility's EHR system.
• Coordinate with on-site medical providers and specialists for integrated care.
• Prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and low-vision aids as needed.
• Educate patients on eye health, disease management, and preventive care.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and assist leadership.

Skills

Rural healthcare experience

FQHC/tribal health experience

Ocular disease residency

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Comprehensive eye exams

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD)

Active Optometry License (SD preferred)

Job description

Akicita Federal is hiring two Optometrists to deliver comprehensive eye care services to American Indian and Alaska Native patients served by the Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center (WWKMHCC) in Sisseton, South Dakota. These roles support the Indian Health Service's mission to provide the best possible healthcare to approximately 7,000 tribal members living on the Lake Traverse Reservation — a rural community where access to quality specialty care makes a profound difference. You'll be part of a dedicated clinical team serving patients who may travel significant distances to receive care.

• Provide complete optometric examinations, diagnose ocular diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses and treatment plans for a diverse patient population
• Diagnose and manage conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other anterior and posterior segment disorders
• Document all patient encounters, clinical findings, and treatment decisions accurately within the facility's electronic health record system
• Coordinate with on-site medical providers and specialists to deliver integrated, patient-centered care for individuals with complex or chronic health conditions
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low-vision aids appropriate to each patient's clinical and lifestyle needs
• Provide patient education on eye health maintenance, disease management, and preventive care strategies
• Participate in quality improvement activities and collaborate with facility leadership to support the overall health service delivery mission

What sets candidates apart:

• Prior experience providing optometric care in a federally qualified health center, tribal health program, Indian Health Service facility, or other safety-net or rural healthcare setting
• Familiarity with ocular manifestations of chronic diseases prevalent in Native American communities, such as diabetes-related eye conditions
• Experience working with underserved or frontier populations where patients face geographic or socioeconomic barriers to specialty care
• Residency training in ocular disease, primary care optometry, or a related specialty area
• Comfort working in a multidisciplinary clinical environment with integrated medical and behavioral health teams

About Akicita Federal

Akicita Federal is a Native American-owned federal contractor delivering healthcare, clinical, IT, and program-support services across the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies. We hire the people who do the work — clinicians, analysts, engineers, support staff — and we treat them like the professionals they are.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Akicita Federal is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Akicita Federal complies with the Indian Preference provisions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) where applicable.

• Current, valid Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited school or college of optometry
• Active, unrestricted license to practice optometry (state licensure must be valid; licensure in South Dakota or ability to obtain prior to start preferred)
• Ability to pass an FBI National Criminal History (fingerprint) background check adjudicated prior to beginning work
• Must not appear on the HHS Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE)
• Willingness to complete facility security pre-clearance requirements before the start of performance