Optometrist (Clinical)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Fort Campbell, TN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This clinical optometrist position is located at Blanchfield Medical Treatment Facility at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The optometrist provides eye examinations and treatment for visual disorders and ocular conditions, including dilated examinations of the back of the eye, manifest and cycloplegic refractions, refractive surgery candidacy evaluations, and management of ocular foreign bodies and anterior segment trauma. The role includes comanaging complex cases with ophthalmologists, making appropriate referrals, and providing educational sessions to improve staff proficiency and clinic efficiency.

The position requires a Doctor of Optometry degree from an appropriately accredited program, a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examinations, and a current, full, unrestricted optometry license from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Applicants must also meet the professional experience or residency qualification described below. The position is subject to background and pre-employment screening, required certifications and immunizations, clinical credentialing and privileges, and physical examination requirements. It is designated Inclement Weather Essential. A recruitment or relocation incentive and student loan repayment may be authorized; salary negotiation may be available to candidates new to Federal service.

Requirements

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) at the time the degree was obtained.
• Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examinations.
• Current, full, unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
• One year of professional optometrist experience examining and treating patients with visual disorders and/or ocular diseases, monitoring ophthalmic equipment and instruments, and documenting patient records; alternatively, completion of one year of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training.
• The qualification requirement must be met through experience; education cannot substitute for the required experience.
• Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from or in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Complete required background investigation and suitability or fitness determination.
• Meet pre-employment screening and random drug-testing requirements, including urinalysis before appointment.
• Meet mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements unless medically or religiously exempt, with documentation of exemption provided upon hire.
• Complete required immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunizations may be required depending on the position.
• Complete required tuberculosis testing.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
• Fulfill clinical credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate clinical privileges.
• Be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• If using foreign education, provide an evaluation demonstrating equivalence to an accredited U.S. education program or applicable U.S. course credit.

Nice To Haves

• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary negotiation may be available to candidates who are new to Federal service.
• Student loan repayment may be authorized.

Responsibilities

• Perform eye examinations, including dilated examinations of the back of the eye.
• Perform accurate manifest refractions to determine eyeglass prescriptions.
• Perform cycloplegic refractions to assess vision without accommodative influence.
• Evaluate patients for refractive surgery candidacy and provide clear, thorough assessments.
• Remove ocular foreign bodies and manage anterior segment trauma.
• Comanage complex cases with ophthalmologists and refer patients appropriately.
• Deliver educational sessions to improve staff proficiency and clinic efficiency.
• Monitor the maintenance of ophthalmic equipment and instruments.
• Document patient records through computer entry or physical examination forms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree