Optometrist

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 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 : (1) 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.

2) 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.

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.

The facility Director may waive this requirement if the optometrist is to serve in a country other than the United States and the optometrist has licensure in that country.

Proficiency in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience : Must have qualifications that include : graduation from a formally accredited school or college of optometry Completion of an ACOE accredited postgraduate optometric residency training A current, active and unrestrictive license to practice optometry in the USA Prefer residency trained optometrists Grade Determinations : 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 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(3) Has achieved a high level of professional attainment 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 References : VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-5 Optometrist Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements : Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health.

This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching, use of hands and fingers, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking, standing, bending and climbing.

The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.