Optometrist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Manchester (NH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP

Paid time off

Federal retirement

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Manchester, NH seeks a licensed optometrist to provide comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible veterans. The Optometrist will participate in teaching and training activities with residents/fellows and collaborate with the principal affiliate.

The role supports Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) and requires adherence to VA standards, with a typical VA schedule and benefits package including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship is required.
• OD degree from an approved school.
• Current full and unrestricted optometry license in US territory or DC.
• Residency training approved by VA or board eligibility required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible veterans in clinic or inpatient settings.
• Precept students, residents, and fellows; participate in teaching activities with NECO.
• Maintain credentials and clinical privileges; collaborate with affiliate institutions.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

OD degree

State Optometry license

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

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
• Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
• Current - full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training - approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification
• (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Approved residencies are those with accredited or within pre-accredited status by the ACOE - in the list published for the year the residency was completed
• 3 OR (2) Two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States consisting of active involvement in the management of medically complex patients Exceptions: The Approving Official may approve - under unusual circumstances - a waiver of residency or comparable experience
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position
• A physical examination prior to placement is required
• This is a designated drug testing position
• After appointment - you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use
• Requires lifting 15-44 pounds
• pushing (approx
• 2 hours)
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers and both hands
• walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors
• Hearing aid is permitted.

Duties

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Optometrist Total Rewards
• The Optometrist provides comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible veterans presenting in clinic or on inpatient wards during scheduled regular clinic hours
• This includes but is not limited to a full exercise of credentials for correction of vision - treatment of eye diseases and disorders that are within the scope of the optometrist's clinical privileges and providing rehabilitive care if applicable
• The Optometrist also serves as a member of the faculty of Optometry Section with active participation in the training of optometry students - residents and /or fellows
• This includes but is not limited to precepting student and residents in clinics - presenting lectures regularly during section wide meetings and/or weekly conferences - and working with the principal affiliate - New England College of Optometry (NECO) to exercise required faculty responsibilities
• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions
• Communicates and treats customers in a courteous - tactful and respectful manner
• Provides the customer with high quality Eye Care services according to VA and community standards
• Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately
• The Optometrist reports directly to the Chief - Optometry Section for all clinical and administrative issues
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off 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) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1 -000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Compressed Tour
• 4 days per week - 7:30AM- 6:00PM