This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.
Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Major duties: VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Optometrist Total Rewards. The Optometrist provides comprehensive eye and vision care to eligible veterans presenting in clinic or on inpatient wards during scheduled regular clinic hours. This includes but is not limited to a full exercise of credentials for correction of vision, treatment of eye diseases and disorders that are within the scope of the optometrist's clinical privileges and providing rehabilitative care if applicable.
The Optometrist also serves as a member of the faculty of Optometry Section with active participation in the training of optometry students, residents and /or fellows. This includes but is not limited to precepting student and residents in clinics, presenting lectures regularly during section wide meetings and/or weekly conferences, and working with the principal affiliate, New England College of Optometry (NECO) to exercise required faculty responsibilities.
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides the customer with high quality Eye Care services according to VA and community standards. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. The Optometrist reports directly to the Chief, Optometry Section for all clinical and administrative issues.
Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Compressed Tour; 4 days per week, 7:30AM- 6:00PM Requirements: U.S.
Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
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