Optometrist

Job TitleThe Optometrist is professionally and clinically responsible to the Associate Chief of Surgery and Chief of Eye Care Service in both clinical and administrative areas. The incumbent is an independent practitioner responsible for providing quality patient care service to Veterans and enhance the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the patient care activities in the Eye Clinic. The incumbent's work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance to policies, procedures, and practices. The incumbent consults with other team members and supervising physician regarding complex or unusual situations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Demonstrating advanced competencies and skills in providing diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health. Diagnosing the full range of complex eye conditions and planning and executing the necessary treatment programs. Contributing to the teaching, supervising and administration of optometric externship programs. Providing comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up and clinic intervention, including patient assessment, health history, physical examination, and patient education. Ordering and evaluating diagnostic tests as appropriate, recommending treatment and/or referral, and validating the effectiveness of previously implemented medical treatment. Recording and documenting health appraisal information, clinical assessments, treatment decisions, plan of care, ongoing management, and therapeutic outcomes. Ordering medications, diagnostic tests and referral consultations when needed. Conducting routine eye exams, prescribing glasses and also managing various ocular conditions prevalent in a hospital-based eye clinic including diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Interpreting diseases and conditions of the eye and adnexa and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Ordering, verifying, dispensing and adjusting optical aids for visually impaired patients. Evaluating and fitting contact lens. Responsible for emergency patient care and being on call as needed. Other related duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.