Optometrist - Joslin Diabetes Center

Overview

The Joslin Diabetes Center was established with the private practice of Dr. Eliot P. Joslin in 1898 and the Beetham Eye Institute is world renowned for the groundbreaking work of Dr. William P. Beetham, the pioneering work with laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy by Drs. Lloyd M. Aiello and Dr. Beetham, and the landmark work of Dr. Lloyd Paul Aiello, our current Director, in establishing the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.  The BEI continues to be at the forefront of research into diabetic retinopathy and the eye care of patients with diabetes.

A Staff Optometrist in the Beetham Eye Institute of the Joslin Diabetes Center will provide general and specialized eye care, within the full scope of Optometric practice, to clinical patients and participants of clinical research trials.  

The Staff Optometrist will function in a dual role as a collaborative care provider and primary healthcare provider.  They will examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures making referral for treatment of significant ocular conditions, other complications of diabetes and for diabetes and other systemic management as warranted.  Special emphasis is placed on excellence in the management of Diabetic Eye Disease with regard to current standards of care recognized internally by the Joslin Clinic as well as by external agencies.

The individual should work in a collegial fashion with Staff Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Clinic physicians, Certified Diabetes Educators, Nurses, and other health care providers in the co-management of care that affects the eye health and vision of their patients. 

The Optometrist will prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and medicines to treat eye diseases as necessary. They will function as a member of the professional medical staff of the clinic and hospital(s) where he/she practices.  Interaction with the Clinic / Center Administrator should be in a positive and constructive fashion.  The individual must maintain preeminence in academic qualifications, patient care and leadership.

As a health care organization, we have the responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. We require that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Treat patients with Diabetic Eye Disease.

• Evaluates and diagnoses various types of ocular complications secondary to Diabetes Mellitus.
• Recognize complications of diabetes.
• Choose appropriate treatment to avoid or minimize vision loss due to Diabetes Mellitus.
• Actively refer patients to other Joslin Clinic professionals for specialized care of significant eye conditions, diabetes management, education, foot care, etc. per American Diabetes Association Practice Guidelines.
• Provide ongoing management assistance.

Primary Care Optometry.

• Evaluate / treat general ocular health status.
• Provide patient support and education of the highest caliber.
• Diagnose and treat other ocular disease besides diabetic eye complications.
• Provide general ophthalmic therapy in all managed health care plans supported by Joslin Clinic.
• Refer patients when additional expertise is needed.
• Assist in maintaining the examination and technical environment.
• Strive to achieve professional excellence and self-improvement with specific academic and clinical goals.

Low Vision, Visual Rehabilitation and Contact Lens programs.

• Develop the highest level of expertise in such specialty areas as Low Vision, Visual Rehabilitation and Contact Lenses.
• Develop programs to provide this specialty care to patients.
• Provide leadership in these specialty areas to all health professionals via cutting edge patient care, educational activities and active professional society participation.

Provide emergency and triage ophthalmic care.

• Available to provide emergency and triage ophthalmic care to all Joslin Clinic and referral patients.
• Refer patients to the Ophthalmologist when the need for specialized care is demonstrated and appropriate.

Participate in clinical research and clinical trials.

• Support all clinical research and clinical research trials as requested by the Director of the Beetham Eye Institute.
• Provide patient education on such programs for possible patient participation.
• Publish and/or participate in clinical and clinical research trials and educational programs.

Work in a collegial fashion with other diabetes health professionals.

• Provide management plans for ophthalmic treatment.
• Use consultative advice as to ophthalmic and systemic medical conditions.
• Support programs and activities in conjunction with Beetham Eye Institute Ophthalmologists.
• Effect management plans in a cooperative manner and share responsibility with allied health professionals.

Interact with the medical staff.

• Fulfill obligations specified by hospital and Clinic/Center Bylaws.
• Serve on institutional committees as elected or appointed by the Joslin Clinic Medical Director or the Director of the Beetham Eye Institute.
• Attend and participates in Longwood Medical Area Ophthalmology conferences.
• Deal in a collegial fashion with other Clinic / Center and hospital community health care providers.
• Participate in hospital consult program(s) as appropriate.

Interact with house staff, fellows and students.

• Satisfy departmental teaching obligations.
• Precept optometry externs and residents, i.e. New England College of Optometry and Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
• Participate in the training of Ophthalmic Technicians and house staff.
• Participate in conferences with house staff.
• Discuss patients and cases of interest with the house staff, fellows and students.
• Communicate about inpatient management.
• Provide academic leadership to health care colleges and institutions.

Participate in building patient / provider referrals and develop community presence.

• Present lectures and promote programs to physicians, optometrists, house staff, allied health professionals, lay persons and potential referral sources.
• Obtain membership in appropriate professional organizations or societies and actively participate and provide leadership.
• Develop an area of professional expertise.
• Participate in the Lions Club Eye Mobile service, Joslin Satellite programs and other outreach programs.
• Participate in Joslin, community activities, i.e. lectures, health fairs and radio programs in order to build effective relationships.
• Provide input and activity to help attract new patients.
• Actively participate in future planning for long-term success and national opportunities.

Interact with the Administrative Staff.

• Deal effectively with the Medical Director.
• Work constructively with the Clinic Administrator and other Administrative Personnel.
• Work with the Affiliated Center Program and Managers to insure quality of ophthalmic health care.
• Support all other activities of the Joslin Clinic and Beetham Eye Institute as described by the Director and Chief of the Beetham Eye Institute.

Qualifications

• BA or BS
• OD - Completion of accredited Optometry training program
• Current Optometry license for the State of Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Certification to use and prescribe diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents
• Residency training desirable