Chief Optometrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
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Duties
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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until July 22, 2027. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be August 6, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
The Staff Optometrist provides comprehensive patient care, and participates in clinical activities relevant to the service. The role involves working collaboratively with the optometry team, including supporting the Chief Optometrist and other senior staff. Key responsibilities include delivering high-quality optometric care, assisting in the education of medical and optometry students, and contributing to performance improvement activities within the service. The Staff Optometrist focuses on providing care for ocular disease within the scope of Optometry.
The majority of the Staff Optometrist's time is dedicated to direct patient care and contributing to service excellence. While most work occurs at the primary duty station, travel and work at other sites may occasionally be required to meet the needs of the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS).
Interest and willingness to participate in academic research and education are encouraged. The successful candidate must excel in teamwork, coordinating activities efficiently with ancillary staff, and effectively supporting the optometry team. Staff Optometrists should have significant experience in performing diagnostic and therapeutic optometric care. Experience in the treatment of medical glaucoma and retinal conditions is desirable, within the scope of their state license. The Staff Optometrist must have a comprehensive understanding of preventive medicine and primary care relevant to ocular health. In addition to complying with Federal, national, and local regulatory, policy, and accreditation requirements, this position's responsibilities include:
Clinical:

• Perform and document comprehensive or targeted eye examinations.
• Provide patient care following national guidelines.
• Accurately document patient care activities in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) per WTVAHCS requirements.
• Order diagnostic studies pertinent to ocular evaluations.
• Prescribe medications for ocular diseases in accordance with federal and state laws or refer patients to appropriate specialists if outside the scope of optometry practice.
• Obtain consent for procedures when necessary and document appropriately.
• Consult with other healthcare disciplines as necessary to complete patient evaluations and ensure integrated care.
• Engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities, including patient education and shared decision-making.
• Maintain updated Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Administrative Support:

• Support the Chief Optometrist and assist in all aspects of administrative duties as needed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
• Contribute to performance improvement initiatives within the Optometry Service.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00am-04:30pm
Telework: Available Ad Hoc Only
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for a highly qualified candidate
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for EDRP incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov , for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Qualifications
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:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.) in accordance with section7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. §7407(a).
• 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 (VA) 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 Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Licensure and Registration. Optometrists must possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry, and maintain a current registration in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia that requires successful passage of all parts of National Board of Examiners in Optometry intended for basic licensure. The Optometrist must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active, current licensure.
• Residency Training or Comparable Experience. Optometrists must have successfully completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of VA in an accredited post-graduate training program, or have comparable experience, as described below:
  
  • 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. OR
  • Two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States consisting of active involvement in the management of medically complex patients.
• HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment.

Preferred Experience:

• Optometric Practice > Two Years
• Professional communication, including the ability to communicate scientific information to patients > Two Years
• Proficiency with modern eye care techniques and equipment > Two Years
• Experience with Low Vision > One Year
• Experience with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) > One Year

Grade Determinations:
Staff Optometrist. None beyond the basic requirements. The individual must possess the experience to perform general optometry duties, including clinical oversight of trainees as needed, and some specialized functions and procedures without supervision.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35
• pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, 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, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation.
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/.
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 (VA) 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 Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
https://theacoe.org/Affiliates/ACOE/Documents/ACOE/Current%20OD%20Directory%20.pdf
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by ACOE at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACOE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.