We are seeking a motivated optometrist to join our Australia program in the Northern Territory (NT) to commence in November 2023. This unique role will involve extensive and regular travel to deliver outreach optometry services in the Central and Barkly regions of the NT alongside a regional eye health coordinator to remote communities. Project work may involve general administration, reporting, primary health care practitioner training, Indigenous workforce support, and advocacy. The role is highly rewarding and suitable for an optometrist keen to expand their experience in public health.
Delivering effective health care in the unique and beautiful environments of the Northern Territory, particularly for our First Nations Territorians, requires us to be agile, collaborative and open to many ways of overcoming challenges. The successful optometrist will possess sound optometry skills, an open and positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a drive to evolve the type and quality of care received by communities in the Northern Territory. Ongoing mentorship and support will be provided from our NT team as part of the role.
Deliver optometry services via community access points such as health centres and clinic-based community outreach. This includes travelling away from urban Alice Springs to deliver services for a minimum of 50% of the role.
Unique career experiences:
- Optometry consultations in clinical settings or outreach locations to reach remote communities.
- Dispensing spectacles, low vision devices and eye treatments.
- Storng capacity for culturally safe practices with Aboriginal people
- Driving/flying to and from remote clinics or outreach locations.
- Follow up from previous clinics including ophthalmology referrals, ensuring paperwork up to date.
- Ensure any equipment and ready-mades have been restocked for subsequent clinics and outreach.
Benefits to working for Brien Holden Foundation:
- Working as part of a passionate, small health team in the NT
- Access to generous non-profit salary packaging arrangements (up to $16K p.a towards living expenses before tax)
- No sales targets, KPIs or weekend work (occasional travel may be required some weekend days)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Relocation allowance/reimbursement may apply
- AHPRA and Optometry Australia fees covered, annual conference allowance
- Appointment type: Full or part time, 12-month contract with view to longer term if suited
Required skills and qualifications
- Tertiary qualification in optometry, with minimum two years’ clinical experience
- Valid AHPRA registration to clinically practice optometry in Australia
- Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, integrity, and kindness
- Strong capacity for culturally safe relations with Aboriginal people
- Ability to develop good working relationships with health workers
- Availability to travel extensively (within NT and occasionally other locations), by way of 4wd or light aircraft
- A current (or ability to get) Working with Children card, a National Police Check, and manual driver’s licence
About the Brien Holden Foundation:
Brien Holden Foundation is an Australian non-profit organisation who believes it is the right of everyone, everywhere to have the best possible vision. The Foundation delivers sustainable eye care services, education, and training programs in remote and isolated communities in Australia and overseas. The Foundation is focused on the elimination of uncorrected vision impairment and avoidable blindness by developing eye care solutions within communities in most need, thereby improving opportunities in education, employment, and quality of life.
In the Northern Territory, we provide optometry and eye health services and training to over 55 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We work in partnership with health services to provide culturally appropriate, accessible, and affordable outreach optometry services as part of broader primary health care programs.