Sanford Health·Rapid City, South Dakota
The Optometrist is responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders of the visual system. This includes performing primary care examinations, managing emergency eye care, and providing pre- and postoperative care for surgery patients.
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.
8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
All patients who receive Optometric care and treatment at the Sanford Health Facility shall be under the overall care of a physician appointed to the Sanford Health Facility's medical staff, who shall be responsible for the medical care of the patient throughout any period of hospitalization or treatment at the Sanford Health Facility.
The licensed Optometrist shall be responsible for the care that he or she provides to patients pursuant to this policy, and shall make such documentation in the patient's medical record as is appropriate and necessary for the care and safety of the patient.
Such medical record documentation shall be consistent with the medical staff rules and regulations and relevant policies.
Perform primary care examinations, including refraction.
Diagnose vision problems and eye disease.
Test patients' visual acuity, depth perception and color vision, and ability to focus and coordinate their eyes.
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
Provide pre- and postoperative care to cataract patients as well as those who have had laser vision correction or other eye surgery.
Provide emergency eye care services within their scope of practice.
Diagnose conditions due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health care practitioner as needed.
Administer drugs for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes as per state licensure allows.
Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have successfully cared for at least 50 patients that required optometry services in the past 12 months or completion of Optometrist program in the past 12 months. Experience must correlate to the privileges requested. Allied Health Professionals must meet any continuing education requirements imposed by the applicable licensing or regulatory agency or by the Sanford Health Facility. A letter of reference must come from the director of the applicant’s Optometry program, if applicant is applying directly out of residency, or, a letter of reference may come from the head of the surgery department, chief of service, or the chief medical officer at the institution where the applicant most recently practice.
Are currently licensed to practice as an Optometrist in the state where requesting Allied Health appointment. Have successfully passed all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examination. Privileging documents and related credentialing requirements will supersede this job description in defining minimum qualifications, criteria, and scope of practice, if variation between documents exists.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.
Candidates must hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and be licensed to practice in the state of appointment. Successful completion of the NBEO examination and evidence of recent clinical experience or recent graduation are required.
Market context
In South Dakota, physician openings are often driven by rural access needs, specialty coverage gaps, and ongoing demand in hospitals and clinics. These roles are competitive because employers may look for strong clinical credentials, board or specialty alignment, and experience that fits local patient volumes; on this platform, the job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, saving you research time. Review the certification and experience preferences closely, and confirm whether the schedule and coverage options match your practice needs before applying.