About this role
Job SummaryThe purpose of this position is to manage comprehensive primary, preventive and therapeutic medical optometric care to individuals across the spectrum of age and development within a high-risk population. The incumbent functions as an independent primary eye care provider performing the full range of professional optometric physician duties. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
QualificationsTo 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. Basic Requirement 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. Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level Applicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for GS-11 grade level. Basic Requirements for GS-12 (or equivalent) Grade Level In addition to the requirements for the GS-11 (or Equivalent) level, applicants must 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. Basic Requirements for GS-13 and above Grade Levels In addition to the requirements for the GS-12 (or equivalent) level one year of professional optometrist experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-13: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Providing technical guidance to optometry staff; reviewing and/or revising policies and procedures; assisting with quality assurance activities; diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system such as examining eyes, diagnosing problems or impairments, prescribing corrective lenses, and prescribing therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions; and operating optometric diagnostic and treatment instruments and equipment. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Major DutiesProvides direct patient care for optometry patients through exams, diagnosis of visual and ocular problems through external and internal physical evaulation of the eye. Provides emergency care services including diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic trauma and pathology consistent with clinical services. Coordinates medical eye care with other physicians within the clinic and refer and coordinates through purchase referred care when necessary. Assist with provision of screening programs, school programs and diabetic retinopahty. Provides direct supervision and direction for the Optometry Department for Optometrist and Health Technician to include performance evaluations, recruitment, budget and policies and procedures for the department. Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients. 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. Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Optometrist Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)RequirementsSelectee 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. 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. 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 individual's 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. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.