Optometrist

What you would do

• Provide comprehensive eye care, follow-up care and emergency management
• Examine the eye to diagnose and treat abnormal eye conditions
• Prescribe lenses, contact lenses, medicines and other devices to treat eye conditions
• Refer patients to and consult with other health care providers
• Teach patients, residents, students and staff about eye disease
• Enter progress notes and orders in the CPRS patient record system

Do you qualify for VM-15?

With experience: For the full grade, you need two years of optometric practice or its equivalent, or one year of approved residency training in place of two years of practice. Intermediate and senior grades require four or more years of practice plus added recognition or expertise, such as teaching or research.

With education: You need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from a school approved by the VA Secretary, such as a school accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. Completing a residency program is preferred.

Licenses and certifications you need:

• 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory

How to apply well

What to send:

• C.V. and/or resume
• DD-214 showing dates and character of service, if you claim veterans' preference
• SF-15 with required proof, if you claim 10-point veterans' preference
• Other documents may be requested later in the process

How you will be rated: Your application, resume and supporting documents will be verified, and you will be rated on how well you meet the qualifications. Errors or missing information may affect your consideration, and veterans' preference applies when candidates are about equal.

Tips for this job:

• If you want student loan help, submit the separate EDRP application within four months of your start date. Former EDRP participants cannot apply.
• The 2-page resume limit does not apply to this job, so follow the other document instructions carefully.
• If you claim veterans' preference, select it in the questionnaire and attach your DD-214 with your application.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time. The work schedule will be discussed during the interview process.

Incentives and relocation: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan repayment of up to $200,000 over one to five years, subject to approval. Annual performance bonus. Possible $1,000 per year continuing medical education (CME) reimbursement for full-time board-certified staff.

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. citizenship, with limited exceptions
• Urinalysis drug screen before appointment
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Background and security investigation
• Online onboarding with a REAL ID-compliant form of identification
• Must pass a pre-placement evaluation
• Seasonal influenza vaccination required, unless you have an approved exemption
• You may be required to serve a probationary period

Job details

Salary

$125,000 – $190,000 per year

Pay scale and grade

VM-15 · VA medical and dental

Location

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Appointment

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Openings

1

Security clearance

Not Required

Travel

Not required

Drug test

Not required

Supervisory

No

Occupation

Optometrist (0662)

Announcement

CBST-13081243-27-AGC