State of Connecticut Executive Branch

• Examines eyes to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and visual skill problems and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and color blindness; 
• Evaluates infectious, inflammatory and traumatic conditions and prescribes appropriate treatment including topical medicine; 
• Analyzes test results to establish a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment; 
• Uses noninvasive procedures to remove foreign bodies from the eye; 
• Prescribes, adjusts and fits eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids; 
• Educates on preventative measures such as contact lens care, therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision and visual hygiene; 
• Consults with and refers individuals to an ophthalmologist if additional treatment is needed; 
• Prepares health record documentation and reports on health services; 
• Acts as a liaison between agency and community health providers; 
• May participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary evaluation team; 
• Performs related duties as required.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

• Provides low vision rehabilitation to blind and visually impaired individuals or clients; 
• Implements rehabilitation protocols for low vision care; 
• Reviews reports from agency-approved low vision providers to ensure consistent application of agency low vision policies and protocols; 
• Reviews applications and renewal documents from low vision practitioners to obtain or retain agency-approved provider status.

• Considerable knowledge of
  • methods and principles of optometry including visual functions, defects of vision or other conditions or diseases of the visual system; 
  • current practices of assessment and treatment of visual acuities; 
• Knowledge of recent developments in the field of optometry including treatment models and best practices; 
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills; 
  • oral and written communication skills; 
• Skills in diagnostic, assessment and evaluation; 
• Ability to analyze and interpret laboratory and other medical reports and findings.

BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

• Considerable knowledge of low vision devices and their use; 
• Ability to design rehabilitation programs for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license to practice optometry pursuant to Sec. 20-130 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

• Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
• BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Incumbents in this class must meet additional credentials as a low vision provider as specified by the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may be exposed to disagreeable conditions, communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive clients.