Optometry Supervisor

UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services is seeking a licensed Optometrist to provide exceptional eye care to students while leading and helping establish our inaugural Optometry Clinic. This is an exciting opportunity to build a new service, supervise a growing team, and make a meaningful impact on student health and well-being.

We are offering a full-time, 12-month position with a start date as soon as possible. Other position options may include a four-day workweek or an optional four-week unpaid summer break while retaining employment status and health benefits. These arrangements can be discussed during the interview process.

As the largest employer in the county, rated as one of the most beautiful campuses, located on the coast overlooking Monterey Bay. UC Santa Cruz employs over 3,100 people in staff positions alone. UC Santa Cruz staff have access to comprehensive benefits packages.
Here is a sample of those benefits:

* Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
* UC Retirement Plan
* Group Term Life Insurance
* Legal Insurance
* Pet Insurance
* Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave
* Reduced fees for alternative methods of transportation
* Discount at UCSC recreation facilities

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the university visit: https:// ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Thank you for your interest in UC Santa Cruz.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 11-23-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the University's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program offers primary care and same-day care services, supported by on-site radiology, a COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, optometry, and the campus pharmacy offering prescription and over-the-counter products.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a variety of mental health and psychological services to UCSC undergraduate and graduate students, including intake assessment, brief and long-term individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, mental health outreach and workshop programming, consultation, and liaison relationships to support student mental health and well-being.

Additional departments include Student Insurance and Referral Programs; SHOP (Student Health Outreach and Promotion), home of the Condom Co-op and the Cove Collegiate Recovery Program where students receive harm-reduction and recovery services; and CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment), the advocacy and prevention education office that supports survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner/domestic violence and stalking.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff and welcomes staff with an interest and experience working with college students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at: https://health.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

The Optometry Supervisor oversees the clinical, technical, and operational activities of the UCSC Optometry Department. The incumbent provides direct supervision and leadership to personnel, including planning and assigning work, evaluating staff performance, providing technical guidance and training, and coordinating clinical and optical services to ensure high-quality patient care.

The Optometry Supervisor oversees daily departmental operations, establishes work priorities, monitors service standards, and ensures compliance with professional practice requirements and University policies. Additional responsibilities include oversight of optical dispensing services, diagnostic equipment, inventory management, purchasing, and vendor relationships to ensure the availability of optical merchandise, clinical supplies, and other resources necessary for efficient departmental operations.

The Optometry Supervisor also serves as a licensed Optometrist responsible for providing comprehensive primary eye care services. Clinical responsibilities include performing comprehensive eye examinations, evaluating visual function and ocular health, diagnosing and managing ocular diseases and visual disorders, prescribing corrective lenses and therapeutic treatments within the scope of optometric practice, and coordinating referrals for specialized care.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $180,000 - $190,000/Anually. Proportionate to time worked. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time or Part-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 80% or 100%, 32 or 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: OPTOMETRY SUPV 2 (006511)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

60% - Staff Supervision, Leadership & Technical Oversight

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to assigned optometry personnel, ensuring effective staff performance, efficient clinical and optical operations, and the consistent delivery of high-quality patient services.
• Provides professional and technical oversight of optometry services, clinical equipment, and quality assurance activities to support safe, accurate, and effective patient care.
• Plans, assigns, schedules, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned employees to ensure appropriate staffing coverage, efficient patient flow, and timely delivery of clinical and optical services.
• Evaluates clinical and technical procedures to ensure consistency with established professional standards, patient safety requirements, and appropriate optometric practices.
• Provides technical guidance to assigned staff regarding clinical support procedures, diagnostic equipment, optical measurements, prescription processing, and established patient care protocols.
• Oversees merchandise and inventory management practices to ensure appropriate product availability, accurate inventory records, timely replenishment of merchandise and supplies, and coordination with optical laboratories and vendors.
• Oversees the functionality, maintenance, calibration, and servicing of diagnostic instruments, examination equipment, and optical dispensing technology.
• Monitors compliance with applicable professional licensing requirements, patient confidentiality standards, infection control procedures, and clinical safety regulations.
• Conducts peer review in accordance with the SHS Quality Management Program.
• Participates in recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, and training of departmental personnel. Establishes employee performance expectations, provides ongoing feedback and coaching, and conducts formal performance evaluations.
• Identifies staff training and professional development needs, coordinates educational opportunities, and promotes continued competency in clinical support, technical procedures, optical dispensing, and patient services.
• Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and accountable work environment through effective communication, team development, consistent application of policies, and support of departmental goals and service standards.

40% - Clinical Optometry & Direct Patient Care

• Provides comprehensive optometric services requiring independent professional judgment, specialized clinical expertise, and adherence to established standards of care.
• Performs comprehensive eye examinations to assess visual acuity, refractive status, binocular vision, ocular health, and overall visual function.
• Diagnoses, treats, and manages refractive errors, visual disorders, and ocular diseases within the authorized scope of optometric practice.
• Prescribes eyeglasses, contact lenses, and appropriate treatments based on clinical findings and individual patient needs.
• Performs contact lens evaluations, fittings, follow-up examinations, and management of contact lens-related complications.
• Evaluates and manages ocular health concerns, including urgent eye conditions, and determines appropriate treatment or referral.
• Identifies ocular manifestations of systemic health conditions and coordinates referrals to ophthalmologists and other healthcare providers when indicated.
• Educates patients regarding ocular health, preventive care, treatment options, contact lens hygiene, and appropriate follow-up care.
• Maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards, departmental procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Exercises independent clinical judgment in determining diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing appropriate patient care.
• Provides consultation and works closely with Same Day Care and Primary Care clinicians as needed.
• In the absence of the Optician, performs duties as operationally necessary.
• Maintains awareness of advancements in optometric care, diagnostic technology, optical products, and professional practice standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from an accredited school or college of optometry.
• Current and valid California license in good standing to practice optometry.
• Thorough knowledge of comprehensive optometric examinations, ocular disease management, refractive assessment, and contact lens services.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, coach, and evaluate employees in a clinical or healthcare service environment.
• Knowledge of clinical operations, optical dispensing procedures, diagnostic equipment, and technical support functions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of staff while managing competing priorities and maintaining high standards of patient care.
• Knowledge of applicable professional standards, patient safety requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of inventory management, purchasing procedures, and vendor coordination.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent clinical judgment and effectively coordinate professional and operational responsibilities.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in an optometry practice, healthcare clinic, or comparable clinical environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• California License, in good standing, issued by the California State Board of Optometry
• Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire criminal history background check and a pre-hire credentialing check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or have the ability to obtain it within 90-calendar days of hire.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility (HIPAA) training within 30 days of hire.
• Employees whose positions are designated as Category 1 or Category 2 for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must receive the Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a Hepatitis B vaccination declination statement. Initial and annual Bloodborne Pathogens training is also required.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Will be required to comply with current Student Health Center employee health safety requirements for health care workers as defined by state and federal regulatory agencies. Current health safety requirements are discussed during interview.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.