Optometrist - Department of Veteran Affairs

Optometrist Opportunity – VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA

**Eligible for $200,000 in student loan reimbursement**

Description:  The VA in Pittsburgh seeks an optometrist to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders and diseases of the ocular structures, as well as diagnoses related to systemic conditions.

Among the most innovative and forward-looking in the nation, the VA in Pittsburgh provides exceptional healthcare to our nation’s Veterans, trains America’s future healthcare providers, and conducts research that contributes to medical advancements. The VA offers incredible work-life balance with a generous benefits package including a multi-tiered retirement system (VA contributes 16.6% to pension and 5% match to a 401k plan), heath/vision/dental insurance, and 50-55 days of paid leave per year.

Practice Highlights:

• The primary purpose of the position is to assure professional responsibility for provision of optometric services and to conduct eye examinations to determine visual efficiency and performance by means of instrumentation and observation.
• Uses both routine and advanced optometric procedures and techniques in the performance of ocular and visual evaluations.
• Performs external and internal examinations of the eyes and refers suspected and detected pathology to the appropriate medical specialist.
• Determines refractive errors and prescribes appropriate treatment for these and other visual problems.
• Prescribes appropriate lenses to correct various errors of refraction.
• Prescribes telescopic or other subnormal vision aids as needed.
• Plans clinical schedules in collaboration with support staff.
• Cover Eye Clinic and/or CBOC location clinics when there is a provider vacancy, urgent need, or increased patient wait time.
• Serves as consultant to and liaison with physicians, ophthalmologists and other professionals concerning ocular or visual manifestations of systemic disease or medication, or problems that may arise during the treatment of patients with ocular pathology.
• Other duties as assigned, based upon organizational needs.

Work Schedule: Full time, Mon – Fri, 7:30am – 4:00pm

Basic Requirements:

• US citizenship. Non-citizens may be considered should no qualified US citizens be available.
• Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree accredited by the Council on Optometric Education or the American Optometric Association; or from a school accepted by the licensing body of a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States.
• Licensure: Applicants must be licensed (full and unrestricted) to practice optometry in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States.

Benefits Highlights:

• Salary $75,013 - $138,992
• Student loan reimbursement up to $200,000 on eligible loans
• Regular cost of living pay increases and eligible for annual performance bonuses
• 50-55 days of paid time off (including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
• Federal health/dental/vision/long-term care insurance offered.

Pittsburgh Highlights:

• Family-friendly city with low cost of living and affordable housing in green, beautiful neighborhoods
• Abundant historical/cultural sites and events including the Carnegie Museums (Art, Natural History, Science, and Andy Warhol), a multitude of other visual/performing arts institutions, and a lively music scene featuring local, national, and international stars.
• Plenty of outdoor activities with green parks for hiking/biking (Schenley Park, Frick Park, and Highland Park) and rivers for canoeing and kayaking.
• If you are a sports fan, Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates professional teams.

Interested physicians may send their CV to:

Michael Hahn

Physician Recruitment

US Dept of Veterans Affairs

Pittsburgh VA Medical Center

(412) 689-2414

Michael.Hahn4@VA.gov