Optometrist

About the role

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The Hershel “Woody” Williams VAMC Optometry Service provides full‑scope eye care in an outpatient setting. Optometrists in this service deliver comprehensive eye care including management of eye disease, consultations, and emergency and on‑call services, and also perform related administrative duties as well as academic and research functions in support of eye care services. This announcement may be used to fill Staff Optometrist and/or Attending Optometrist positions.

Responsibilities

• Staff Optometrist: performs general optometry duties including clinical oversight of trainees as needed and some specialized functions and procedures without supervision.
• Attending Optometrist: teaches and supervises students, residents, and/or fellows in the delivery of optometric care to Veterans.
• Clinical duties (Attending): 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 (formal and informal); successfully integrates patient care activities in Optometry Service and other patient care programs of the clinic and in the community; consistently demonstrates expertise in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multisymptomatic patients; participates in multidisciplinary activities involving treatment plan and discharge of patients; provides other clinical services as assigned consistent with clinical privileges assigned by the Chief‑Optometry Service.
• Administrative duties (Attending): 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 duties (Attending): provides guidance and supervision for optometry residents and externs assigned by the Chief‑Optometry Service; participates in the formal education of residents, 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 the Chief‑Optometry Service.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States (per 38 U.S.C. 7402(c)); non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited (per 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)).
• Education: Doctor of Optometry degree from a school or college approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year of study (U.S. or Canadian schools accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education).
• Licensure and Registration: Current, full, unrestricted license to practice optometry and current registration in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry; must maintain registration if required for continuing active licensure.
• Residency Training or Comparable Experience: Successful completion of a VA‑approved residency in an accredited post‑graduate training program (or pre‑accredited status by ACOE) OR two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the U.S. with active involvement in the management of medically complex patients.
• English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) for direct patient‑care positions.
• Staff Optometrist: No additional requirements beyond the basic qualifications.
• Attending Optometrist: Must be board certified by the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry