Optometrist w/Recruitment/Relocation Incentive-EDRP

The VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas is currently seeking a full-time Optometrist to provide quality patient care for adult and geriatric Veterans with a wide spectrum of optometric conditions. A Recruitment Incentive maybe authorized for a highly qualified candidate. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

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. 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). 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: Licensed to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration in their State of licensure if this is a requirement of the particular State. Preferred Experience: Graduation from formally accredited school or college of optometry Completion of an ACOE accredited postgraduate residency Unrestricted license to practice optometry in a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States, including the District of Columbia Experience in direct patient care Experience in co-management of patients with ophthalmology Experience in the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests to include, butnot limited to: Humphrey visual fields, OCT macula, OCT RNFL 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. Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements. 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 and referral of patients with ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Intermediate Grade. Meets all the requirements below:- 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;- 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 Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples: 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. 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. 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. 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 below: 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. Has demonstrated recognized superior professional attainment as evidenced by one or more of the following examples: 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. Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. 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. Preferred Experience: Graduation from formally accredited school or college of optometry Completion of an ACOE accredited postgraduate residency Unrestricted license to practice optometry in a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States, including the District of Columbia Experience in direct patient care Experience in co-management of patients with ophthalmology Experience in the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests to include, but not limited to: Humphrey visual fields, OCT macula, OCT RN Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting of 15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds, Pushing for .5 hours, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 3.5 hours, Standing 4 hours, Both legs required, Near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, Both eyes required, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted).