Summary The Staff Optometrist provides both outpatient and inpatient eye care and to support both the eye clinic and Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation (VISOR) clinic. The Staff Optometrist reports directly to the Chief of Blind Rehabilitation and Optometry Service. This is an Open Continuous Announcement. The selection process for this announcement involves a bi-weekly review of applicants, those who meet the criteria will be referred to the selecting official. Responsibilities The staff optometrist 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. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Pay: Competitive salary 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 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 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. 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) Preferred Experience: Completion of accredited VA residency training program Successful completion of Advanced Competency in Medical Optometry Examination 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 (VP-0662-12). 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 (VP-0662-13). 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 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 (VP-0662-14). 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is Intermediate Grade. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Full Grade to Senior Grade. NOTE: Actual grade determination will be decided by the VA Optometry Professional Standards Board (PSB) based on selectee's qualifications. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.