Optometry Student Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

La Clínica de La Raza is a community-based health center committed to providing culturally appropriate, high-quality, and accessible health care to the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. We have spent over 40 years advocating for and creating a health home for the many that have been denied access to care. As health care activists, we are dedicated to making sure individuals who do not have health coverage get the same level of quality healthcare as those who have it. From our genesis as a community health center in 1971, we understood that we cannot heal our communities without also addressing the economic and social factors that affect health. Many times, this requires that we go outside and provide services in other settings to build the bridge that links individuals to our health center for preventive and primary care. Over 90,000 individuals come to La Clínica because it is a welcoming place that addresses the whole person, coordinating and connecting them to a broad network of services to improve and maintain their health and well-being. While we are still known for our activism and spirit of social justice, we are also proud to have grown into a sophisticated provider of primary health care services with 35 sites across Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties.

As underserved populations lose access to care, it becomes more important than ever that those who can lend their skills and passion to serving their communities step forward, live their values, and advance our mission. Join the La Clínica family and work shoulder to shoulder with some of the most dedicated eye care professionals you'll meet. It will be hard work, but the sense of teamwork, commitment to our community, and our dedication to giving our diverse patients the high quality care they deserve, will be worth it. You will be rewarded by your work with patients whose families choose La Clínica generation after generation. You will see the impact of your efforts in the faces of our patients. You will further your professional development through opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and continuing education designed to expand your reach as a mission-driven eye care provider. We offer robust perks including educational leave plus stipend, license reimbursement, FTCA malpractice coverage, and flexible work schedules. In addition, we are a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) approved site for tax free loan repayment. Our clinics are located in the thriving Bay Area known for its cultural diversity, beautiful weather, highly sought after schools and year-round recreational activities.

Healthcare Delivery

• Examine eyes, using observation, instruments and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma or color blindness
• Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
• Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan
• Perform all routine vision and ocular examinations in order to provide appropriate corrections.
• Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care
• Train assistants to perform screening and other functions as appropriate
• Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision

Patient Experience

• Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors.
• Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary
• Implement continuing education and screening programs

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Act as administrative and operations resource to optometry student interns
• Attend staff meetings as deemed necessary
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures
• Knowledge of modern optometric methods, procedures, practices. Contact lens experience essential.
• Knowledge and experience in ortho-optics and visual training preferred
• Knowledge of evidence based approaches to optical care
• Cultural competence working in diverse/low income communities

Abilities

• Ability to perform eye examinations on children and adults
• Ability in exercising sound judgment in quickly evaluating emergency situations; in rendering prompt decisions
• Ability to write concisely and legibly; communicate effectively; and relate congenially to patients and staff
• Ability to meet requirements for obtaining UPIN and for participation on insurance panels
• Ability to English/Spanish (preferred)

Experience and Other Certifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of optometry, Doctor of Optometry degree
• Requires valid California Optometry license
• Must hold a current BLS (Basic Life Support) Certificate. You will have 30-day grace period to obtain your certificate from the date of hire.
• One year internship and/or experience in a community clinic or private practice
• Experience supervising student interns desirable

Salary: $60.73-$72.15 DOE