Optometrist

The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive eye care services to patients throughout the SEARHC region. The optometrist is on the Medical Staff and cares for patients of all ages. This position provides support to the Optometrist-Lead in the day-to-day operations of the local Eye Care Clinic and in absence of the Optometrist-Lead will provide supervision of the local Eye Care Clinic staff.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Join SEARHC (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium) in beautiful Sitka, Alaska—where mission-driven care meets one of the most stunning and culturally rich environments in the country. We are seeking a full-time compassionate and skilled Optometrist to join an established and collegial team at the new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center Eye Care Clinic, serving a diverse patient population and supporting community health in both clinic and rural settings.

Why Choose SEARHC?

• As one of the largest Native-run healthcare organizations in the United States, SEARHC is committed to providing quality healthcare that honors the traditions of Alaska Native people and American Indians, while ensuring that advanced medical technologies are made accessible to all.
• Brand-new clinic and co-located with modern infrastructure in the new $300 million Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center opened in April 2026.
• In 2021 SEARHC opened the Wrangell Medical Center. With plans to build a third critical-access hospital in Haines. In addition to the dozens of established outpatient and traveling clinics throughout the region.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation salary: $202,000 -$225,000 based on years of experience, with additional quality incentives.
• Financial incentives: $35,000 Sign-On Bonus and $25,000 Relocation Stipend.
• Healthcare benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage with flexible spending options (FSAs).
• Life insurance and wellness: Basic life insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Accident - Critical Illness – Hospital Insurances, Identity & Fraud Protection, Legal Insurance, and Pet Insurance.
• Professional development: $6000 pre-tax annual CME allowance.
• Retirement planning: 401k plan with up to 5% employer match beginning on your date of hire, Roth and 457b plans.
• Paid Time Off: 33 days (264 hours) annually and 10 days (80 hours) of CME annually.

Practice Details:

• Schedule: Monday - Friday. No call.
• Clinic Facilities: Brand new and fully equipped clinic with 2 exam rooms, 1 testing room.
• Patient Volume: ~14 patients per day with 2:1 Assistant.
• Technology: Meditech EMR, OCT, visual field, retinal cameras, Pentacam, Zeiss Forum, Expanding laser capabilities.
• Regional & Outreach Care: Primarily based in Sitka with traveling to field clinics in communities such as Haines, Wrangell, Angoon, and Kake. Full-service care in rural settings.

Qualifications:

• New graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Two or more years of post-graduate clinical experience or residency preferred.
• Doctor of Optometry (O.D.).
• Active/unrestricted Alaska license (or ability to obtain).
• BLS certification within 3 months.

Community and Lifestyle:

• Location: Experience the unmatched beauty and lifestyle of Sitka, Alaska—where oceanfront living, abundant outdoor recreation, and a close-knit community come together to create a truly unique and rewarding place to live and practice.
• Affordability: Alaska has no state income tax — residents keep more of their paycheck compared to most other states.
• Education: Sitka offers a highly regarded school system with small class sizes, strong academic performance, and a supportive, community-centered environment—ideal for families seeking a high-quality education experience.
• Transportation: Sitka offers convenient and reliable transportation, with daily commercial flights connecting to Seattle and Juneau, a local road system that makes getting around town simple, and access to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system for scenic regional travel throughout Southeast Alaska.
• Culture: Sitka offers a rich cultural experience, blending strong Alaska Native heritage—particularly Tlingit traditions—with a vibrant arts community, local festivals, and a deep sense of history that creates a unique and welcoming environment.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job—it’s the opportunity to build a fulfilling and rewarding career and to learn more please reach out to Provider Recruiter, Lyndse Clark: LClark@searhc.org or at (907)463-7531.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Provide comprehensive eye care including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, minor procedures, coordination of care, referrals, consultations, patient or community education and co-management as applicable.
• Accurate and timely medical recordkeeping.
• Conduct field Eye Care Clinics to SEARHC locations.
• Assist with on-the-job training and competency of the local Eye Care Clinic staff.
• May sponsor Dispensing Optician Apprentices.
• May precept and mentor optometry students.
• Support departmental compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, accreditation programs and SEARHC policies and procedures.
• Travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

• Preferred: Completion of Optometric Residency or Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry or a current Optometry Board Certification OR 2 years of clinical optometry experience.

Knowledge of

• Advanced eye care knowledge to perform clinical duties that meet the standards of care set by the American Optometric Association

Skills in

• Communicate clearly and respectfully through oral and written communication.
• Leadership.
• Teamwork.
• Problem solving.
• Conflict resolution.

Ability to

• Plan, organize, and prioritize to meet deadlines.

Travel Required

• Field travel may require lifting of equipment in totes which may weigh up to 50 pounds each.
• Field travel may require travel by jet, small aircraft, or ferry.

Required Certifications:

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!