Optometrist (Clinical)

SummaryPLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center Surgical Care 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.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Must be a US CitizenEducation: Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometryThe degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completedApproved schools are: United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association - in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed-OR- Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensureLicensure or RegistrationActive - full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbiaand to maintain a current registration in your State of licensure if this is a requirement of the particular StateEnglish 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 EnglishGrade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above - all applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for a specific grade level: Associate Grade: None beyond the basic requirementsFull Grade: Two years of optometric practice or its equivalentOne year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of the 2 years of practiceCandidate must have demonstrated the professional competence and performance necessary to provide independently the full range of clinical optometric diagnosis and treatment for all the most prevalent types of vision dysfunctions and the detection and referral of patients with ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic diseaseIntermediate Grade: Meets the requirements in paragraphs (1) - (2) - and (3) below: Four years of optometric practice or its equivalentOne year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of 2 years of practiceThe optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry Has achieved a high level of professional attainmentSenior Grade: Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) below: The optometrist at this level possesses such academic stature as would warrant a faculty appointment of a professional level in an approved school or college of optometryHas demonstrated recognized superior professional attainmentChief Grade: Meets the requirements for Senior grade and must demonstrate a sustained very high level of professional performance with evidence of exceptional professional and/or administrative development by the following: Has assumed substantial professional and/or administrative responsibilities in which the individual is expected to fully advise and make professional clinical and educational recommendations as to courses of action on problems and considerations of national scope in all areas of optometryTypically - the optometrist at this level has had responsibility for a major optometric program segment on a nationwide basis and has been consistently called upon to represent the organization in an authoritative manner in matters dealing with development of new and/or revised concepts and programs having a major impact upon the academic - medical - and optometric communitiesOutstanding professional attainmentExamples of such attainment are: (a) Achievement of outstanding results in research which are regarded as having a major impact on advancing the field.(b) Significant number of noteworthy publications in professional journalsReference: 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 5019This examination is administered by VA Occupational HealthThis 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 climbingThe incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.DutiesThe Optometrist is professionally and clinically responsible to the Associate Chief of Surgery and Chief of Eye Care Service in both clinical and administrative areasThe 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 ClinicThe incumbent's work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance to policies - procedures - and practicesThe incumbent consults with other team members and supervising physician regarding complex or unusual situationsOther duties and responsibilities include - but are not limited to: Demonstrating advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic - preventative and therapeutic healthDiagnosing the full range of complex eye conditions and planning and executing the necessary treatment programsContributing to the teaching - supervising and administration of optometric externship programsProviding comprehensive assessment - diagnostic work-up and clinic intervention - including patient assessment - health history - physical examination - and patient educationOrdering and evaluating diagnostic tests as appropriate - recommending treatment and/or referral - and validating the effectiveness of previously implemented medical treatmentRecording and documenting health appraisal information - clinical assessments - treatment decisions - plan of care - ongoing management - and therapeutic outcomesOrdering medications - diagnostic tests and referral consultations when neededConducting routine eye exams - prescribing glasses and also managing various ocular conditions prevalent in a hospital-based eye clinic including diabetes - macular degeneration and glaucomaInterpreting diseases and conditions of the eye and adnexa and ocular manifestations of systemic diseaseOrdering - verifying - dispensing and adjusting optical aids for visually impaired patientsEvaluating and fitting contact lensResponsible for emergency patient care and being on call as neededOther related duties as assignedPreferred Experience: patient care activities in the Eye Clinic - planning - coordination and exercising professional judgement in diagnosing the full range of complex optometric conditions as well as planning and executing the necessary treatment programs to meet complex and frequent changes in treatment objectives Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisorThe 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 positionRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized- Relocation/Recruitment Incentive may be offered to highly qualified applicantPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.