Optometrist

• Serve as an independent primary eye care provider performing the full scope of professional optometric physician duties.
• Examine diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the visual system eyes and associated structures.
• Diagnose and manage a broad range of ocular diseases including cataracts glaucoma and ocular manifestations of systemic conditions (e.g. diabetes hypertension thyroid disease STDs rheumatologic disorders).
• Provide comprehensive primary eye care with an emphasis on chronic complex and medically fragile patients particularly the elderly.
• Perform comprehensive ocular examinations including detection of neuromuscular impairments and binocular vision anomalies.
• Prescribe corrective lenses (including contact lenses) vision therapy and pharmacologic treatments.
• Apply advanced optometric techniques to diagnose and manage unusual or complex ocular conditions.
• Administer authorized topical ophthalmic medications and oral pharmaceuticals.
• Perform minor surgical procedures including anterior segment foreign body removal corneal debridement and suture removal.
• Deliver emergency ocular care in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Independently manage complex ocular medical conditions and coordinate consultation and co-management with ophthalmology as needed.
• Advise and collaborate with medical staff on ocular conditions vision testing interpretation and integration of eye care into comprehensive patient treatment plans.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices emerging technologies and new biomedical devices to ensure high-quality patient care.

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630 requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently temporarily or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days evenings nights weekends and holidays.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment the employee will be subject to adverse actions up to and including removal from Federal service.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individuals identity employment history education and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are actively completing a required professional training program and are expected to complete such program within 9 month(s) of applying may be deemed tentatively qualified.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Education: Applicants must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) at the time the degree was obtained.

Licensure: Applicants must have received a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations and possess a current full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State the District of Columbia the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States.

In addition to the Basic Requirements you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the Basic Requirements you must also meet one of the following requirements:

• One year completion of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training; or
• One year of professional experience as an optometrist that is equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.