Optometrist

The optometrist will provide direct patient care to our unique Veteran population.

Qualifications:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Optometrists appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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 for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Optometrist (Except Residents). Licensed to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration in their State of licensure if this is a requirement of the particular State.

Grade Determinations:

Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements.

Full Grade. Two years of optometric practice or its equivalent. One 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 practice. Candidate 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 disease.

Intermediate Grade. Meets the requirements in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) below:
(1) Four years of optometric practice or its equivalent. One 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 practice.
(2) The optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
(3) Has achieved a high level of professional attainment

Senior Grade. Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) below:
(1) 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 optometry.
(2) Has demonstrated recognized superior professional attainment

Chief 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.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2

Physical Requirements: Physical requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted.

Responsibilities:

**This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCMENT and will remain open until September 30th, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 3rd, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks. Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.**

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

The optometrist will provide direct patient care to our unique Veteran population.

Duties and responsibilities include, but is not limited to:

• Diagnosing, managing and treating refractive conditions, binocular functions, ocular diseases and conditions, ocular complications of systemic disease, etc.
• Referring patients to Ophthalmology for diagnosis, treatment and management of systemic and ocular conditions revealed through optometric examinations.
• Conducting clinical evaluations such as: medical and ocular history, visual acuity measurement, pupillary function testing, color vision testing, extraocular muscle function and binocularity testing, refractive and accommodative testing.
• External examination of the eye and adnexal structures
• Biomicroscopic evaluation of the ocular adnexa, anterior, and/or posterior segments of the eye, including gonioscopic and fundus lens evaluation; ophthalmoscopic, tonometric and perimetric evaluations