Optometrist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship
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 or Registration
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
The facility Director may waive this requirement if the optometrist is to serve in a country other than the United States and the optometrist has licensure in that country
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: 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: 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
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
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 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: 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
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
References: Optometrist Qualification Standards, VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G5 Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 lbs); Light carrying (under 15 lbs); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Emotional and mental stability
Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone.
Duties "Located in the Rogue Valley, White City allows easy access to Metro-area of Medford while remaining engrossed with nature.
White City is an unincorporated community in Jackson County, Oregon, in the Rogue Valley.
It is about nine miles north of Medford and 34 miles north of the California border.
Enjoy the scenic drives to either Crater Lake, Oregon's only National Park, and to the mountain resort Lake of the Woods.
Take a family-friendly hike to a waterfall or ride the only section of the Pacific Crest Trail that's open to mountain bikers.
Doctors of Optometry (O.D.s/optometrists) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye.
Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
The Duties and Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following: Assist in performing performance appraisals on support staff working in the clinic, if applicable.
Complete evaluations on supervised optometry students and residents, if applicable.
Examine and diagnose diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.
Prescribe medications, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures.
Counsel patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, avocations, and lifestyle.
Interface with other medical staff and health care professionals in the medical center in regard to Eye Care.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available (Ad-hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for a Highly Qualified Candidate EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"

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