This position is in the Specialty Care Service at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Optometrist will report directly to the Associate Chief of Staff of Specialty Care (ACOS Specialty Care).
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: 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. Optometrist (Except Residents). 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: 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 as evidenced by one or more of the following examples: (a) 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. (b) Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. (c) 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: 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.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday Telework: Ad-hoc Financial Disclosure Report: Not required The Optometry Section Chief oversees administrative and programmatic resources as well as professional activities within the Eye Service. This includes the supervision of staff optometrists, Blind Rehab specialists, and health technicians. The incumbent is responsible for developing and initiating policies, procedures, and organizational structures necessary to achieve the stipulated goals of the Eye Service as directed by the ACOS Specialty Care. The incumbent has leadership responsibility for all administrative operations of the Eye Service. The Optometrist works as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team, collaborating with other members of the team to provide medical care to veterans. The Optometrist is expected to demonstrate advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health services to both primary care and low vision patients. Functions of Scope of Assigned Duties: Administrative Oversees administrative and programmatic resources as well as professional and administrative activities within the Eye Service including selection, orientation and continuing education of staff in collaboration with other physician leaders. Assists in the coordination of program development to strengthen clinical and operational issues in the Eye Service. Monitoring and ensuring that the Eye Service is compliant with agency regulations, medical staff bylaws, facility policies, Joint Commission (JC) standards, and other regulations. Clinical The incumbent preforms leadership responsibilities to the Eye Service while providing ophthalmic services to Veterans who reside in a large geographical area including multiple CBOCs (Hawaiian Islands, American Samoa, and Guam). The incumbent is expected to demonstrate advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health services to both primary care and low vision patients; diagnosing the full range of complex ophthalmic conditions as well as planning and executing the necessary treatment programs; performing evaluations and treatments. The incumbent works closely with both Optometry and Ophthalmology, and prosthetics to provide eye care to veterans; contributing to the teaching, supervising and administration of optometric externship and residency programs; provides comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up and clinic intervention, including comprehensive patient assessment, health history, physical examination, and patient education to veterans; ordering and evaluating diagnostic tests as appropriate, recommending treatment and/or referrals. The incumbent diagnoses the full range of complex ophthalmic conditions as well as planning and executing the necessary treatment programs; performing evaluations and treatments for mild to complicated traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions, assisting in the administration of the eye clinic including developing plans and procedures to enhance both eye care delivery and the low vision program. Academic / Teaching / Training Provides leadership, guidance, teaching and consultation on staff education and development to the Eye Service clinical staff as well as teaching to medical staff trainees rotating on the Eye Service. Supervisory Controls: This position reports directly to the Associate Chief of Staff, Specialty Care. Customer Services Requirements: The incumbent meets the needs of the Veteran and, as appropriate, the Veteran's family, caregiver and/or significant other, the Veteran's representative, visitors to VA facilities, all VA staff and other customers while supporting VA missions. The incumbent consistently communicates and treats the Veteran and as appropriate the Veteran's family, caregiver and/or significant other, the Veteran representatives, visitors to VA facility, all VA staff, and other customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients Requirements: The primary age of Veterans treated is in their middle years (ages 40 to 50) or at the geriatric level (ages 60 or older). There are occasionally younger patients between the ages of 25 to 40 years of age who require care. Computer Security Requirement: The incumbent protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statues and policy, and VHA policy. The incumbent protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the incumbent signs.