Optometrist, Bahamas Vision Centre, Nassau

Bahamas Vision Centre (BVC) is a leading eye-care provider dedicated to providing exceptional eye care services to the community in Nassau, Bahamas.

BVC offers conventional eye-care services to patients in the form of routine eye-exams and modern diagnostic services including: OCT testing, visual fields, dry-eye testing, etc. The facility also includes an on-site optical lab and optical retail store offering patients a full line of frames, sunglasses and contact lenses. In addition, there is a state of the art surgery centre facility on site offering patients a range of ophthalmic procedures.

The current medical team in our Nassau location includes three senior Ophthalmologists (a Comprehensive Specialist, Cataract and Corneal Specialist and a Retinal Specialist) as well as a senior Optometric Assistant and a team of Ophthalmically trained nurses. Together, the Ophthalmologists have over 60 years of experience in the field.

Patient population

The Bahamian patient population experiences a very high rate of: glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, allergic conjunctivitis, traumatic eye injuries, and keratoconus.

Overall, there is a shortage of eye-care providers in The Bahamas so patient demand typically exceeds available appointments. BVC patients have to wait an average of 4-6 months to book a routine eye-care exam. The Associate OD would help to both lessen this backlog of patients and further expand the Practice by providing additional OD capacity each week.

While the BVC primarily serves patients located in Nassau (the capital of The Bahamas), it is also a hub for patients traveling from other Bahamian islands given the limited medical services available elsewhere in the country.

As an Associate Optometrist at Bahamas Vision Centre (BVC), you will play a crucial role in providing high-quality eye care services to our diverse patient population alongside an experienced team of three Ophthalmologists. Given that BVC is an Ophthalmology practice, you would commonly be co-managing patients in partnerships with the Ophthalmologist team. The role would be ideal for an OD seeking to expand his / her career scope by getting exposure to eye-disease and a high degree of interaction with the Ophthalmologists. You will be assisted by an Optometric Assistant and a team of Patient Coordinators.

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive eye examinations to assess visual acuity, refractive errors, and overall eye health
• Diagnose and treat ocular conditions, diseases, and abnormalities
• Prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses (i.e., contact lens fittings) based on individual patient needs
• Educate patients on proper eye care practices, contact lens wear, and lifestyle adjustments for optimal eye health
• Collaborate closely with other BVC healthcare professionals, such as ophthalmologists and opticians, to provide integrated and holistic patient care
• Stay updated on industry trends, advancements in optometry, and new technologies to enhance the quality of eye care services
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records using EHR where possible, including examination findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited institution. Note, the Bahamas Health Professionals Council (HPC) requires candidates to hold a degree from an institution in the USA, Canada or the UK; degrees from Institutions in other jurisdictions will require review by the HPC
• Strong clinical skills and ability to perform comprehensive eye examinations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and collaborate with the broader BVC healthcare team
• Up-to-date knowledge of optometric practices, advancements, and industry trends
• Dedication to providing compassionate and patient-centred care and strong ability to quickly adapt to dynamic conditions / be resourceful

Benefits:

• Expected salary range of £70K-100K (GBP) pending candidate’s experience and credentials
• Opportunity for fee sharing or production bonus (to be determined with candidate)
• 100% coverage of Bahamian work permit fees and logistics (cost of ~$15K USD / year)
• Unique professional development opportunities to work with highly qualified team of senior Ophthalmologists
• Generous PTO: 22 days in addition to 11 public Bahamian holidays

Please note, a work permit issued by the Bahamian Government is required for all persons without Bahamian citizenship to practice as an Optometrist in The Bahamas. Upon successful application by a candidate for the role, BVC will then liaise with the Bahamian Department of Immigration to handle all logistics for this permit and cover the associated work permit fees required to secure the permit.

There is no relocation assistance included with this position. However, Bahamas Vision Centre will provide guidance and relevant contact resources to help candidates secure housing, car, etc.

What to expect:

• Typical working hours / dates: 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday (exact hours may vary based on patient load)
• Volume of patients: 25-30 patients / day
• Potential travel to other Bahamian islands (e.g. Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera) to conduct clinics as needed; specific details to be agreed with Employer at start of employment

The Bahamas is widely renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Living here, you can expect 365 days of sunshine and warm temperatures ranging between 20C-32C year round. Beyond the natural beauty, Nassau is a bustling capital city with modern infrastructure, an award winning international airport (with direct access to the UK, US, Canada and multiple Caribbean cities) and numerous options for dining and shopping.

There are also several International schools on the island as well as the University of The Bahamas. The island community is close-knit and there are lots of groups / activities for expats living in Nassau such as cycling and running groups, sports leagues, diving clubs, etc.

Bahamas Vision Centre is conveniently located within 15 minutes drive of several well appointed, safe neighbourhoods with modern accommodation options on or near the water. It is also situated within the island's premier shopping complex, complete with a large-scale grocery store, pharmacy, dining options, liquor store, banks, dry cleaner, apparel shops and more.