Optometrist

Veterans Health Administration; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration in Gainesville, FL seeks an Optometrist to provide high-level eye care in a hospital-based eye clinic, contributing to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment plans, and on-call coverage as needed.

The incumbent will diagnose complex eye conditions, order tests, prescribe glasses and contacts, and participate in teaching and externship programs. Education Debt Reduction Program details and VA policies apply.

Qualifications

• Education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign equivalency may be required for foreign degrees.
• Must meet specific VA eligibility requirements and EDRP program details as posted.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat eye conditions; manage patient care in a hospital-based eye clinic.
• Conduct routine eye exams and prescribe glasses.
• Order and evaluate diagnostic tests and referrals; document care and outcomes.
• Provide emergency patient care and participate in on-call duties.

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file through December 31, 2026. Eligible applicants will be referred each month as vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Key Responsibilities

In compliance with VA Policy and union requirements/recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants. So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year. This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time.

Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation/specialty, applicants will be reviewed and referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment. Some positions/specialties are eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. This announcement may be used to fill various positions.

You must choose which duty location and specialty you wish to be considered for. You may select multiple duty locations and specialties, but you must select at least one when you apply. You will be considered for the duty location(s)/specialties that you select when you apply. Note that there may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future vacancies that become available until the announcement closes.

The Optometrist is professionally and clinically responsible to the Associate Chief of Surgery and Chief of Eye Care Service in both clinical and administrative areas. The incumbent is an independent practitioner responsible for providing quality patient care service to Veterans and enhance the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the patient care activities in the Eye Clinic.

The incumbent's work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance to policies, procedures, and practices. The incumbent consults with other team members and supervising physician regarding complex or unusual situations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Demonstrating advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health.

Diagnosing the full range of complex eye conditions and planning and executing the necessary treatment programs. Contributing to the teaching, supervising and administration of optometric externship programs. Providing comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up and clinic intervention, including patient assessment, health history, physical examination, and patient education.

Ordering and evaluating diagnostic tests as appropriate, recommending treatment and/or referral, and validating the effectiveness of previously implemented medical treatment. Recording and documenting health appraisal information, clinical assessments, treatment decisions, plan of care, ongoing management, and therapeutic outcomes. Ordering medications, diagnostic tests and referral consultations when needed.

Conducting routine eye exams, prescribing glasses and also managing various ocular conditions prevalent in a hospital-based eye clinic including diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Interpreting diseases and conditions of the eye and adnexa and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Ordering, verifying, dispensing and adjusting optical aids for visually impaired patients. Evaluating and fitting contact lens.

Responsible for emergency patient care and being on call as needed. Other related duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Various work schedules available. Some positions may require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent and the specific work shift) upon selection based on the needs of the organization.

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP. Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at [e-mail] for questions/assistance.

Requirements & 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/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $73939 – $190424/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-12-31.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government