Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

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The Optometrist is responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research pertinent to the Optometry Service. The Optometrist provides comprehensive care for ocular disease within the scope of Optometry. Other responsibilities may include education of medical and optometry students and residents, and/or supervision of other providers.

The majority of the Optometrist's time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities and activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art Optometry care. Most of the work takes place at primary duty station, but some travel and work at other sites may be required to meet the needs of West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS).

Although the role is primary clinical an interest and participation in academic research and education are highly desirable but not necessary. Candidate should possess leadership skills in coordination of activities of various ancillary staff, house staff, and students.

Optometrists should have experience in performing diagnostic and therapeutic optometric care. Experience and training in treatment of medical glaucoma and retinal conditions are highly desirable but practice will be guided by respective state license restrictions. The Optometrist should demonstrate knowledge of preventive medicine and primary care as part of health care evaluation relevant to ocular disease (e.g. complications of disorders & treatments, side effects of medications used), and the role of various health care professionals working to take care of same patient. Incumbent will be a full-time employee.

In addition to observance of Federal national and local regulatory, policy, and accreditation requirements governing this Health Care System, this position encompasses the following examples of responsibilities overseen by an Optometrist. Optometrists require appropriate time mapping and resources to ensure they are empowered to meet expected proficiencies in clinical practice, education, administration and research.

Additional duties include:

Administrative:
- Participates in VISN and national level efforts in optometry programs as requested, with approval of supervisor.
- Provides education and counseling to patients and families in regards to preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
- Reviews and revises policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and WTVAHCS.
- Reviews and guides protocols in chronic patient management including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patient needs and maintain fiscal responsibility. Clinical

Clinical:

- Performs and documents a comprehensive, or targeted, history and eye examination and care provided in compliance with national guidelines.
- Documents above in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with WTVAHCS requirements.
- Orders diagnostic studies pertinent to the ocular evaluation.
- Prescribes medications for ocular diseases in accordance with federal and state laws, or refers to an ophthalmologist if prescribing is outside the scope of optometry practice.
- Obtains iMed consent when indicated for procedures performed and documents appropriately.
- Consults other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation.
- Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making.
- Maintains updated Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized
Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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. Approved schools are:
• (1) 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.
• (2) 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: 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.

• 2-3 years of experience in Optometry
• 1 year experience with modern eye care techniques and equipment
• 1 year experience with low vision
• 1 year experience with Traumatic Brand Injury (TBI)
• 2 years experience with professional communication, including the ability to communicat scientific information to patients.

• 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 dysfunction 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 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: 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. 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 affiliated health care facility having an optometric training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools. 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. 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: 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. Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.