OPTOMETRY FACULTY (CLINICAL AND DIDACTIC)

Position Summary

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry seeks applications for dedicated faculty members committed to excellence in optometric education, clinical practice, and service. The successful candidate will contribute to didactic and/or clinical instruction, engage in scholarly and professional activities, and support the school’s mission of educating compassionate, ethical, and practice-ready optometrists within a student-centered and community-focused environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide high-quality instruction in didactic, laboratory, and clinical preparation settings based on program needs and the faculty member’s expertise.
2. Participate in the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of courses, including development of syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments.
3. Provide timely, constructive, and appropriate feedback to students to support academic and professional development.
4. Engage in curriculum development and review to ensure alignment with accreditation standards, program outcomes, and contemporary optometric practice.
5. Incorporate evidence-based teaching practices, educational technology, and inclusive pedagogy to enhance student learning and success.
6. Advise and mentor students on academic progress and professional development.
7. Participate in the clinical training and supervision of student interns, fostering clinical competence and professionalism.
8. Provide professional optometric services, including comprehensive eye examinations, diagnosis and management of ocular disease, and care in specialty clinics, in accordance with the AOA Code of Ethics.
9. Collaborate with clinic management to promote quality assurance, patient safety, financial sustainability, and process improvement.
10. Engage in scholarly activity appropriate to assigned faculty rank, which may include educational scholarship, clinical research, or professional dissemination.
11. Maintain active participation in local, state, and national optometric organizations, contributing to the profession and staying current with evolving standards of care.
12. Actively participate in program, school, and university committees in support of the mission and goals of the School of Optometry.
13. Foster supportive, professional, and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
14. Adopt and advance the mission and goals of the School of Optometry and the University.
15. Comply with all institutional policies, procedures, and accreditation requirements.
16. Maintain an active Michigan optometry license in good standing.
17. Perform other duties as assigned or as needs arise to support the effective operation of the optometry program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education – A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited institution.
• Employment – Completion of an ACOE accredited residency or 3 years of clinical experience (*Recently updated).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in educational assessment.
• Prior experience with learning management software.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Proofreading and research skills.
• Familiar with CompuLink EHR.
• Prior experience or potential to instruct in the areas of vision science and/or low vision.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to detail and the ability to work with a team in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines in an efficient manner
• Computer proficiency, specifically with MS Office and aptitude to learn new computer applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed or eligible for optometry licensure in the State of Michigan.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Employee Benefits

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:

• Medical -
  • Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Dental -
  • UDM’s School of Dentistry, discounted to you and your dependents
  • Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
• Vision -
  • UDM’s School of Optometry, discounted to you and your dependents
  • Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program -
  • Provided to everyone in your household
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D -
  • One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
• Retirement Plan -
  • UDM provides matches up to 8%

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.