Director of Optometry
About the job
- A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and a current Massachusetts Optometry license.
- At least 3 years of clinical optometry experience unless the candidate has residency training in community health or VA optometry.
- At least 1 year of teaching, precepting, or higher education experience.
- Commitment to student success, professional education, and inclusive learning environments.
- Strong communication, organization, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and leadership.
- Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow management, data analysis, budgeting, and performance improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and healthcare technology systems.
- Support the clinical education, mentorship, and professional development of optometry students rotating through Kennedy Community Health sites.
- Provide clinical supervision and leadership to ensure high-quality patient care and customer service.
- Orient, train, coach, and evaluate assigned staff and clinical preceptors in collaboration with Kennedy Community Health and MCPHS leadership.
- Monitor clinical operations, programs, and facilities to ensure compliance with organizational and professional standards.
- Analyze operational data and reports to identify trends, improve workflows, and enhance performance.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and efficient use of departmental resources.
- Promote culturally competent, inclusive care and learning environments for patients and students.
- Develop partnerships with professional organizations to support educational and clinical initiatives.
- Use electronic medical records and other healthcare technologies to support patient care, operations, and student training.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, serving as the primary contact for surveys and audits.
- Participate in committees and quality improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence.
- Lead clinical peer reviews and support evaluation of student preceptors.
- Develop and implement policies, standard operating procedures, workflows, schedules, and other operational tools to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Partner with the Associate Dean for Clinical Programs to ensure high-quality, evidence-based clinical education and precepting.
- Precept and mentor optometry student interns across Kennedy Community Health sites through direct supervision, feedback, and advising.
- Maintain clinical expertise to support exceptional patient care and student learning.
- Evaluate and enhance the student experience through performance metrics and feedback.
- Provide direct patient care as needed to ensure continuity of services.
- Participate in the School of Optometry Clinical Council and support ongoing educational initiatives.
- Promote staff productivity, customer service, and professional development.
- Collaborate across departments to improve workflows, operational performance, and patient care.
- Develop productivity reports, present operational recommendations, and contribute to annual budgeting and financial planning.
- Residency training in community health or VA optometry.
About the company
Kennedy CHC provides primary health care and related services through a network of medical facilities, dental sites, and school-based clinics in Worcester and nearby communities. It uses a medical home model where a care team delivers comprehensive care—covering primary and urgent care, specialty services, nutrition, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, and health education. The center distinguishes itself through broad access, a culturally representative staff, and school-based clinics, with a mission to be the health care provider of choice and a great place to work. Its goal is to improve community health by delivering high-quality, accessible, patient-centered, coordinated preventive care.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$60K
Headquarters
Worcester, Massachusetts
Founded
1972
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Massachusetts awarded Kennedy CHC $23,750 security funding in March 2026.
- The website now offers online self-scheduling for routine visits and vaccine appointments.
- FY2025 Form 990 posted September 2026 reports $56.2 million revenue and $1.8 million surplus.
What critics are saying
- Public reimbursement dominates revenue; FY2026 budget still plans a $35 million operating loss.
- A 2026 budget shows 9.1 days cash on hand, leaving no cushion for shocks.
- Any MassHealth cut or federal HRSA delay strains payroll, accelerating service reductions by 2027.
What makes Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center unique
- Kennedy CHC runs 12 sites across Worcester, Framingham, Milford, Clinton, and school-based clinics.
- Its medical-home model bundles primary, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and social services.
- 2024 annual report shows 34,813 refugees and multilingual care across Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Disability Insurance
Professional Development Budget
Remote Work Options
Company News
Steve Kerrigan joined Edward M. Kennedy Community Health's team in 2019 with an extensive career in politics and advocacy.