Optometrist (Resident)

Full Job Description

Optometry Residency training opportunity is open to candidates who have or will be completing formal education with a Degree in Doctor of Optometry.

IHS residencies offer an excellent opportunity to learn in a progressive practice setting how to help improve the healthcare of Native Americans.

Enjoy learning in a multidisciplinary and friendly team environment. The practice setting, cultural diversity, and recreational opportunities will make this your most rewarding optometry experience!

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration within 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): Education: Applicants must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education(ACOE) at the time the degree was obtained.

Licensure: Applicants must have received a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level - Applicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for GS-11 grade level.

The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration with 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified.

Applicants who have not completed their education requirements (but who are within the established timeframe for qualifying) must submit: Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework, AND A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript.

Major Duties:

Positions are to serve as an Optometrist Resident training position, performing a variety of developmental assignments intended to increase or further the knowledge, skills and abilities in the incumbent's area of expertise.

The optometrist residency is an organized, directed, postgraduate training in a defined area of optometry practice.

The graduate will have refined skills in disease state management, patient consultation, interviewing techniques, laboratory test interpretation and physical assessment.

The graduate will be able to communicate and function effectively with other health care professionals in the IHS and understand their roles and those of the organization.

Clinical duties include: Patient care to be carried out in a responsible, respectful and caring manner; Diagnosis of visual and ocular problems through external and internal physical evaluation of the eye and adnexa; Use all forms of topical ophthalmic therapeutic medicines as well as oral therapeutic medicines to manage pathology and trauma; Treat visual disorders through the prescription of corrective lenses, vision training, therapeutic pharmaceuticals and other appropriate means; Detect neuromuscular impairment of anomalies of binocular function; Perform retinal photography for documentation, research and patient education; Refer and coordinate contract health services for patients requiring medical, surgical and/or diagnostic ser vices outside the service unit; Examine inpatients as requested by attending physicians; Provide after-hours call/consultation to urgent care clinic and the emergency department; Consult with other service unit optometrists and/or private ophthalmologic consultants and medical practitioners as needed for complex cases; Utilize laboratory and radiology services to evaluate ophthalmic conditions; and Coordinate medical eye care with other physicians within the hospital when eye disease is concurrent with systemic disease.

Administrative duties include: Assist with educating and lecturing of optometry interns; Assure compliance with all accrediting agencies and with the medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations and all Service Unit policies; Responsible for timely and appropriate medical record keeping in compliance with professional, federal and other applicable guidelines; Participate in department staff meetings and journal club; and Complete required case report(s), original research or literature review of publishable quality.