Physician- Ophthalmology

Veterans Health Administration • Miami, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Miami VA Healthcare System (Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center) is seeking an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management. The position supports quality care and the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. Surgical-practice candidates are preferred, though medical ophthalmologists are also encouraged to apply. This is an intermittent position. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts based on facility and patient-care needs and participates in a rotational on-call schedule.

The ophthalmologist evaluates and treats cataracts and other ocular disorders, performs cataract and anterior-segment procedures, provides intravitreal injections, and manages patients’ pre- and postoperative care. The role also includes collaborating with other clinical staff, maintaining medical records and professional standards, and training or mentoring residents when called upon.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an appropriately approved or accredited institution.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Completion of an approved residency in ophthalmology leading to eligibility for board certification, or qualifying alternative residency training and experience as specified in the announcement.
• Board certification in ophthalmology.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Successful completion of required background/security investigation and pre-employment physical evaluation.
• For selected applicants in testing-designated positions, completion of urinalysis drug screening; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Completion of the online onboarding process and application requirements in the Required Documents section.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including light lifting under 15 pounds, straight pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands, intermittent walking and standing, color discrimination, rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination, and near vision correctable to 13–16 inches; hearing aids are permitted.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest in a surgical ophthalmology practice; surgical-practice candidates are preferred.
• Medical ophthalmologists are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive eye examinations to assess vision and ocular health.
• Diagnose cataracts and other anterior- and posterior-segment disorders, assess severity, and determine whether surgery is needed.
• Counsel patients on their conditions, treatment options, expected outcomes, and the risks, benefits, and alternatives of medical and surgical care.
• Perform cataract and other anterior-segment surgeries, including phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.
• Administer intravitreal injections for choroidal neovascularization and other disorders.
• Select and customize monofocal, multifocal, and toric intraocular lenses to meet patient needs.
• Use advanced surgical techniques and technologies to support precision and optimal outcomes.
• Monitor postoperative recovery, manage complications, adjust treatment plans, prescribe medications, and provide aftercare instructions.
• Conduct follow-up appointments to evaluate treatment success and address patient concerns.
• Collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and other healthcare providers in pre- and postoperative care.
• Refer patients to appropriate subspecialists when additional treatments or procedures are required.
• Educate patients on preventive measures and maintaining eye health after surgery.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records, including patient history and surgical outcomes.
• Ensure practice complies with medical, ethical, and legal standards in ophthalmology.
• Participate in the rotational on-call schedule.
• Train and mentor residents in an academic teaching facility when called upon.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and possible five-day paid CME absence.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 annual CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree