The Optometrist is responsible for seeing patients in the outpatient setting. Responsibilities include providing a wide variety of eye services including comprehensive examinations, diagnoses, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnosing related systemic conditions.

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. General Description: This position is in the Optometry Department which is aligned under the Surgical Care Service Line. Incumbents may work in St. Cloud, MN or Brainerd, MN. Travel may be required between locations. Purpose of Functional Statement: This functional statement is specific to optometrists assigned to surgical subspecialty section under the Surgical Service Line to perform duties as a subspecialist, in the inpatient and/or outpatient setting. It is understood this functional statement is not inclusive of all assigned duties and responsibilities, but provides a general overview of general performance expectations and responsibilities. Responsibilities of the provider: Duties include, but are not limited to: -Delivering high quality eye & vision care services; examining for and prescribing corrective lens, ordering diagnostic imaging and laboratory studies; diagnosis, treatment & management of ocular conditions. -Providing patient and family education regarding ocular health issues. -Providing emergency care, evaluating/managing/triaging emergent eye conditions; problem-oriented care, managing patients referred with complaints; treatment and management of ocular diseases including: glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy utilizing advanced ophthalmic imaging. -Collaborating with other optometrists, ophthalmologists, nursing staff, technicians and administrators to facilitate operations within the service to meet common goals. -Performing the administrative components of patient care management, including timely completion of progress notes, consults and encounters for all patient. -The selectee is to have a high level of flexibility and commitment to meet the dynamic needs of an evolving patient care system. -Other duties as assigned. Standards of Care: The Optometrist is to practice in accordance with National VA guidelines; St. Cloud VA Health System policies/procedures; medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations; and in accordance with current Joint Commission standards. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Optometry. Work Schedule: Intermittent, Additional information may be provided during the interview process.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Degree of doctor of optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: (1) United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed. (2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensure. Optometrists are required to possess full and unrestricted licensure and to maintain a current registration in their State of licensure if this is a requirement of the particular State. Residency Training: must have completed at least 1 year of graduate level training in the health or other clinically related sciences or a suitable equivalent period of training, or (2) a general practice residency approved by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: Previous experience medically managing ocular diseases. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45# or more), moderate carrying (up to 45#), reaching above shoulders, use of both hands and legs, use of fingers, prolonged walking and standing, intermittent crawling, kneeling, and bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far binocular correctable to 20/40, vision, hearing (aide permitted), mental and emotional stability.

Education

1. Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or
2. Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
3. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.]

Contacts

• Address St Cloud VA Medical Center 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 US
• Name: Kaly Bloch
• Phone: (320) 252-1670 X7150
• Email: [email protected]