Staff Optometrist

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. Education: Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry.

The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the year in which the course of study was completed.

Approved schools are United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.

Licensure or Registration: .

Optometrists must possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry, and maintain a current registration in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of National Board of Examiners in Optometry intended for basic licensure.

The Optometrist must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.

Residency Training or Comparable Experience: Optometrists must have successfully completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of VA in an accredited post-graduate training program, or have comparable experience, as described below: (1) Approved residencies are those with accredited or within pre-accredited status by the ACOE, in the list published for the year the residency was completed.

OR, Two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States consisting of active involvement in the management of medically complex patients.

NOTE: The Approving Official may approve, under unusual circumstances, a waiver of residency or comparable experience. English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C.

7402(d) and 7407(d) optometrists appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Preferred Experience: Low vision and contact lens fitting, residency trained.

OPTOMETRIST STAFF REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must meet the following staff requirement to qualify for this position: Staff Optometrist.

None beyond the basic requirements.

You must possess the experience to perform general optometry duties, including clinical oversight of trainees as needed, and some specialized functions and procedures without supervision.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health.

This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching, use of hands and fingers, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking, standing, bending and climbing.

The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others. Major Duties:

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. The North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Optometry Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Optometrist.

Our ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program.

The Optometrist is professionally and clinically responsible to the Associate Chief of Surgery and Chief of Eye Care Service in both clinical and administrative areas.

The incumbent is an independent practitioner responsible for providing quality patient care service to Veterans and enhance the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the patient care activities in the Eye Clinic.

The incumbent's work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance to policies, procedures, and practices.

The incumbent consults with other team members and supervising physician regarding complex or unusual situations.

Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Demonstrating advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health.

Diagnosing the full range of complex eye conditions and planning and executing the necessary treatment programs.

Contributing to the teaching, supervising and administration of optometric externship programs.

Providing comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up and clinic intervention, including patient assessment, health history, physical examination, and patient education.

Ordering and evaluating diagnostic tests as appropriate, recommending treatment and/or referral, and validating the effectiveness of previously implemented medical treatment.

Recording and documenting health appraisal information, clinical assessments, treatment decisions, plan of care, ongoing management, and therapeutic outcomes.

Ordering medications, diagnostic tests and referral consultations when needed.

Conducting routine eye exams, prescribing glasses and also managing various ocular conditions prevalent in a hospital-based eye clinic including diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Interpreting diseases and conditions of the eye and adnexa and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Ordering, verifying, dispensing and adjusting optical aids for visually impaired patients.

Evaluating and fitting contact lens. Responsible for emergency patient care and being on call as needed. Completing vesting appointments for new patients. Utilizing electronic medical records.

Working with resident doctors and externs. Participating in educational journal clubs. Other related duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor.

The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V8_EDRP_NFSG@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized