Optometrist Full-Time and/or Part-Time

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Help
The Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC Optometry Service provides full-scope eye care in an outpatient setting. Optometrists within this service provide comprehensive eye care including the management or management of eye disease, consultations, and emergency and on-call services. They also perform related administrative duties as well as academic and research functions in support of eye care services. The Staff Optometrist will perform general optometry duties including clinical oversight of trainees as needed and some specialized functions and procedures without supervision. The Attending Optometrist teaches and supervises students, residents and/or fellows in the delivery of optometric care to Veterans.
Provides quality patient care to outpatients as assigned.
Keeps informed of developments in the management and treatment of eye and systemic diseases through continuing medical education, both formal and informal.
Successfully integrates patient care activities in Optometry Service and other patient care programs of the clinic and in the community.
Provides other clinical services as assigned consistent with clinical privileges as assigned by the Chief, Optometry Service.
Administrative:
Attends facility and service meetings and participates in committees as assigned by the Chief, Optometry Service.
Assists in the development and implementation of care programs in Optometry Service.
Performs other administrative duties as assigned by the Chief, Optometry Service.
Academic(Attending):
Provides guidance and supervision for optometry residents and optometry externs assigned by the Chief, Optometry Service.
Participates in the formal education of residents, optometry externs, and other trainees by presenting teaching rounds, lectures, conferences, etc.
Assists in the development and implementation of education and training programs for optometry externs and residents rotating through Optometry Service as assigned by Chief, Optometry Service.
Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework : Ad-hoc telework may be approved.
Virtual : This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not authorized.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off 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
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 Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
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Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Be a citizen of the United States (U.Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.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 (VA) 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 Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.

• Licensure and Registration. Optometrists must possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry, and maintain a current registration in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of National Board of Examiners in Optometry intended for basic licensure. The Optometrist must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.
• Residency Training or Comparable Experience. Optometrists must have successfully completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of VA in an accredited post-graduate training program, or have comparable experience, as described below:
• English Language Proficiency. Optometrists appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.Attending Optometrists must be board certified by The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) or The American Board of Optometry (ABO);

a)Faculty appointment(s) at a school or college of optometry, medicine, or other health care profession; b)Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Post Graduate residency program preferred with the ability to diagnose and manage complex ocular conditions/diseases.
Experience working with optometry externs and/or residents, including providing clinical oversight, constructive feedback and support for developing clinical competencies is highly valued.

Must meet visual requirements to perform assigned duties.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.