Optometrist (Chief of Optometry) at Veterans Health Administration

Summary

Stand ready with VA to help in an emergency A disaster can strike at any time - an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or global pandemic can leave our Veterans, families, and communities in desperate need of help. That's why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is creating Clinical Deployment Teams (CDTs) to stand ready to assist. We're looking for clinical personnel to serve on these teams and help transform how we provide health care services in times of great need.

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) 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
• 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 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: 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 2 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: 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
• Chief Grade
• Meets the requirements for Senior grade and must demonstrate a sustained very high level of professional performance with evidence of exceptional professional and/or administrative development by the following: 1) Has assumed substantial professional and/or administrative responsibilities in which the individual is expected to fully advise and make professional clinical and educational recommendations as to courses of action on problems and considerations of national scope in all areas of optometry
• Typically, the optometrist at this level has had responsibility for a 3 major optometric program segment on a nationwide basis and has been consistently called upon to represent the organization in an authoritative manner in matters dealing with development of new and/or revised concepts and programs having a major impact upon the academic, medical, and optometric communities
• 2) Outstanding professional attainment
• Examples of such attainment are: a) Achievement of outstanding results in research which are regarded as having a major impact on advancing the field
• b) Significant number of noteworthy publications in professional journals
• Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Optometrist Qualification Standards VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G5
• 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.

Duties

"Dayton, Ohio VAMC is looking for a Chief of Optometry that provides clinical services, consultation and guidance to all areas of the service unit, including outpatient, inpatient, and emergency room.
The incumbent should have strong interpersonal skills to establish professional working relationships with other clinicians and staff throughout the facility.
The incumbent develops, coordinates, and evaluates a comprehensive eye care program for the facility.
In addition, the incumbent assures coordination and referral of care for patients with complex eye disease requiring services.
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Supervision of Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, Health Technicians, and other staff as required.
Responsible for Optometry service evaluation of proficiency and competency reviews using techniques of direct observation and chart reviews.
Participation in peer review and quality improvement activities is required to ensure quality of patient care consistent with VA regulations and Joint Commission standards.
Member of several standing committees including, but not limited to the Medical Records Committee, Operating Room Committee, Facility Surgical Workgroup and Surgical Service Morbidity and Mortality Committee.
Provide comprehensive eye care services as well as follow-up care of existing conditions and management of emergency conditions.
Examination of the human eye to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the human eye or adnexa.
Prescribing of lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, contact lenses, orthotics, vision training, pharmaceutical agents, and prosthetic devices to correct, relieve or treat defects or abnormal conditions or the human eye or its adnexa.
Education of patients, residents, students, and medical staff regarding ocular anomalies, ocular disease, and sight conservation.
Participate in the clinical supervision of optometry residents and student externs if available.
Functions as a coordinator between the other attending physicians/ team members.
Establish and maintain relations with other key services to include Surgery and Medicine Services, Primary Care, Prosthetics, Nursing, Social Work, and Radiology.
Responsible for coordination between the Asst.
Chief of Staff and rotating Residents and relevant staff.
Develop and provide medical education/counseling of patients and their families with a focus on delivery of evidence based, outcomes focused, veteran centric care.
Promote contemporary patient care programs for eye clinic and surgery patients and periodically review and update them based upon current and/or new, broadly accepted concepts.
Ensure consult triage and clinic access meets standards established by the Group Practice Manager, National Surgery Office, and VHA.
Accountable for performance, behavior and training of all members in the Section, including on-time completion of annual performance evaluations VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"