About this role
Job SummaryJoin a team where your expertise in optometry directly improves lives and strengthens communities. This is more than a job-it's an opportunity to deliver high-quality, patient-centered eye care while making a lasting impact every day. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6-month service agreement will be required.
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(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 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. Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Experience in medical-based optometry includes the diagnosis and management of ammetropias, ocular infections, ocular inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, dry eye conditions, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, ocular trauma and binocular dysfunctions; and operating optometric diagnostic and treatment instruments and equipment. The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration within 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified.
Major DutiesServe 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.RequirementsSelectee may be subject to a probationary period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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. 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. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You 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 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.