The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

The Optometrist is a member of the eye care team and functions as an independent practitioner exercising initiative and judgment in day-to-day activities.

Duties:
Provide care of the Veterans' medical needs by performing routine eye care. Responsibilities include performing routine eye care, including eye examinations, diagnoses, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnoses-related systemic conditions. He/she conducts diagnostic evaluations of visual disorders, including but not limited to diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and routine eye examinations. Provides ongoing patient and family education throughout the course of treatment.
The incumbent is responsible for entering accurate, complete, timely progress notes for each episode of care into the patient's electronic record. This is accomplished by utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
The incumbent is responsible for the proper use, maintenance, and calibration of specialized equipment used in the assessment and care of patients. He/she demonstrates knowledge and maintains standards in the use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
The incumbent assists in orientation of new staff and will provide patient and family education, including informed consent.
The incumbent adheres to safety, health, and infection control standards, regulations and work practices, as well as ergonomic standards. He/she reports any unsafe conditions to supervisor and/or appropriate officials.
The Optometrist is expected to participate in performance improvement activities, disaster preparedness, administrative duties, and other responsibilities assigned by the SSC SL Director.
Considers age of the patient when performing health care as it relates to functional capacity/limitations, ability to understand and follow directions, provide objective self-assessment of past medical condition and treatment appropriate to the overall treatment goals and plans.
Diagnose and treats glaucoma.
Diagnose and coordinate treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Diagnose and manage Macular degeneration.
Pre and post-operative care of cataract surgery patients.
Emergent eye care.
Integrate care with other medical specialties.
Current BLS certification is required.

Work Schedule: The tour of this position is typically Monday- Friday, Administrative hours. Additional information may be provided during interview process.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Approved
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting