Optometrist (Clinical)

Summary About the Position: Serves as the full-time primary eye care provider performing the full range of professional optometric duties with major emphasis in the pre-operative evaluation of refractive surgery patients and the post-operative evaluation and management of refractive surgery patients with the assistance of staff ophthalmologists. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations. Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to sign a statement consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing. A pre-placement medical examination is required. Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions. Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations. This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 15% of the time. May be required to work call duties on a rotating schedule during non-duty hours. This position requires credentialing. This position has a positive education requirement of a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) accredited by the Council on Optometric Education. You MUST submit a copy of your transcript(s). This position requires a job-related license or certification of a current license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory is required. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification. This position may require the wearing of protective safety equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, the hospital eye clinic, the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program, and the hospital emergency room. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical): Degree: 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 (NEBO) 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 meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Experience: One year of professional experience as an optometrist which includes examining patients, diagnosing visual disorders and/or diseases, and identifying treatment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11). OR Residency: One year completion of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training. Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Recruitment or relocation incentives MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. This position has a positive education requirement of a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) accredited by the Council on Optometric Education. You MUST submit a copy of your transcript(s). This position requires a job-related license or certification of a current license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory is required. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification. NOTE: Candidates who falsify their resume may be fined, imprisoned, barred from Federal employment or removed from federal employment. Read more Benefits 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 window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits 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.