Occ. Code 5421200

OPTOMETRIST PT, NS         

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Positions in this title provide vision care to inmates incarcerated by the Department of Correctional Services.  Incumbents diagnose and treat optical deficiency, optical deformity, visual anomaly, muscular anomaly, or disease of the human eye and adjacent tissue by prescribing, providing, adapting, or fitting lenses, or by prescribing, providing, adapting or fitting non-corrective contact lenses, or by prescribing, or providing orthoptics, or vision training, or by prescribing and using drugs (both diagnostic and therapeutic) if appropriate certification is held by the practitioner.

These positions are classified in the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS).  All incumbents at DOCS assist in the total care and confinement of inmates, sentenced to the custody of the department and perform various duties and functions in conjunction with the overall operation of a facility and/or location to which they are assigned.  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

OPTOMETRIST:  non-competitive part-time positions; primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system. 

RELATED CLASSES

            Opticians adapt and fit lenses, for the correction of deficiencies, deformities, or anomalies of the human eyes, or adapt and fit non-corrective contact lenses, on written prescriptions from a licensed physician or optometrist.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Conduct eye examinations of inmates and coordinate treatment.

• Review medical history and clarify information with inmate.
• Perform eye examinations and record results.
• May administer diagnostic agents (if appropriate certification is held by the practitioner).
• Make diagnosis of vision problems.
• Discuss findings of examination with inmates and recommend approaches for treatment.
• May administer treatments and prescribe medications and other treatments to treat eye diseases and/or infections (if appropriate certification is held by the practitioner). 
• Record inmate information, diagnosis, prescriptions, treatments, and patient response to treatment and medication.
• Refer inmate to medical specialists or other treatment providers, and coordinate treatment based upon findings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Non-Competitive:  Possession of a license to practice optometry in New York State.

Date:  3/10

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.