Optometrist

Summary

Dayton, Ohio VAMC is looking for an Optometrist that provides clinical services, consultation and guidance to all areas of the service unit, including outpatient, inpatient, and emergency room. The incumbent develops, coordinates, and evaluates a comprehensive eye care program for the facility. In addition, the incumbent assures coordination and referral of care for patients with complex eye disease requiring services.

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
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
Approved 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
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 licensure
Licensure: Current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia
Physical Standards: Must meet physical requirements as outlined in the 'Physical Requirements' section of this announcement
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) Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
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 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 and has attained either of the following: a) The stature that would warrant appointment at the clinical instructor or higher level at a school or college of optometry
b) The professional ability and personal attributes which have merited significant recognition by a recognized professional organization, such as election to a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry
3) Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples: a) Is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions
Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to optometrist and other professionals in other health facilities or provides expert clinical services in such areas as the partially sighted or contact lenses for aphasics
b) Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted optometric program including clinical 2 research and/or training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative and new and advanced instrumentation and treatment techniques
Typically, the program is in an educationally affiliated health care facility having an optometric training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools
c) Has played a significant part in the conduct of vision research in a problem area of considerable scope and complexity which required novel approaches and which resulted in answers to important questions or important changes in existing methods and techniques
Publications authored by the optometrist are of considerable value to others in the individual's field
Typically, overall contributions are recognized by serving on important committees or other bodies in the profession
d) Has had full responsibility for carrying out an optometric training program of significant size in which the optometrist has been responsible for maintaining liaison with the affiliated school and other educational institutions and professional or scientific organizations
Innovative approaches in development of curriculum and course content and in expanding and improving the educational program have been displayed by the individual
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 as evidenced by one or more of the following examples: a) Has served as a team leader in attacking major optometric problems affecting the continued provision of quality care health services at a VISN, statewide, or national level
There is such confidence in the optometrist at this level that there is unusual support of the individual's recommendations and conclusions
b) Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level
c) Has conducted high level studies in a difficult area of vision research which has contributed to a substantial advance in the health field, with important professional publications
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 by the following: 1) 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 optometry
Typically, the optometrist at this level has had responsibility for a 3 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 communities
2) Outstanding professional attainment
Examples 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 journals
Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Optometrist Qualification Standards VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G5
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking, Standing, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Both eyes required, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted), and Mental and emotional stability.
Duties "Duties include but are not limited to the following: Independently examine, diagnose, treat, and manage ocular conditions, diseases, and injuries as specified by the State Board of Optometric Practice Ordering appropriate laboratory and/or imaging studies Prescribing ocular prosthetic devices (spectacles, contact lenses, prisms, artificial eyes and low vision aids) Provide consultative reports to requesting primary care physicians, staff and specialists Refer patients requiring care outside scope of optometry practice Supervise, educate, and train interns, residents, and ophthalmic trainees Certify as a reader in Tele-eye program Certify as a Compensation and Pension (C&P) provider Provide administrative support to service Functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to: eye care treatment planning, optometry clinic patient assessment, optometry clinic follow-up patient visits, optometry peer review, optometry grand rounds, and optometry strategic planning.
Teaching is an integral part of the work of a BC VAMC staff optometrist.
This pertains to colleagues, residents, optometry and medical students, nursing and other ancillary staff.
Exercises corporate citizenship by serving as leader and/or active member on Medical Center committees as requested.
Timely documentation (notes and encounter forms) is necessary in all areas in accordance with facility policy.
All administrative work will be completed in a timely fashion.
All VA requirements must be met on a timely basis including computer security training, customer service training and cultural/diversity training.
Demonstrates courtesy and professionalism and a positive attitude toward Veterans, co-workers and the public.
Identifies Veteran concerns and applies discernment and sensitivity when performing tasks required to resolve issues accurately and timely.
She/he facilitates any necessary follow-up so as to ensure satisfactory resolution of problems.
Utilize computerized programs in order to enter, modify, and retrieve sensitive information in the form of electronic medical records.
Patient confidentiality with be maintained at all times per HIPPA requirements.
Works in a proficient and self-directed manner in order to accomplish all clinical and administrative duties.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"

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