Optometrist

Required Qualifications: All optometrists must possess an active license in any state or territory in the United States, and must maintain privileges always at VA Medical Center Des Moines, to be able to work as an optometrist. Optometrists must maintain professional competency as indicated in their delineation of privileges. All optometrists must have an active DEA license and state CDS certification. They must also maintain a current BLS certification per medical center policies.

Basic qualifications:
The Optometrist must:
- Possess a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a college of optometry approved by the Council on Optometric Education (COE) of the American Optometric Association.
- Possess an unrestricted license in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or District of Columbia.
- Possess a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) License and a Controlled Drug Substance (CDS) License for state in which licensed. Core Professional Competencies

Grade Determination:
Intermediate Grade:

• Four years of optometric practice or its equivalent. One year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable to the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association is acceptable in lieu of 2 years of practice.
• Successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and has attained either of the following:
  • The stature that would warrant appointment at the clinical instructor or higher level at a school or college of optometry.
  • The professional ability and personal attributes which have merited significant recognition by a recognized professional organization, such as election to a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry.
• Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples:
  • Is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of unusual and complicated visual dysfunctions. Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to optometrist and other professionals in other health facilities or provides expert clinical services in such areas as the partially sighted or contact lenses for aphasics.
  • Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted optometric program including clinical research and/or training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative and new and advanced instrumentation and treatment techniques. Typically, the program is in an educationally affiliated health care facility having an optometric training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools.
  • Has played a significant part in the conduct of vision research in a problem area of considerable scope and complexity which required novel approaches and which resulted in answers to important questions or important changes in existing methods and techniques. Publications authored by the optometrist are of considerable value to others in the individual's field. Typically, overall contributions are recognized by serving on important committees or other bodies in the profession.
  • Has had full responsibility for carrying out an optometric training program of significant size in which the optometrist has been responsible for maintaining liaison with the affiliated school and other educational institutions and professional or scientific organizations. Innovative approaches in development of curriculum and course content and in expanding and improving the educational program have been displayed by the individual.

Senior Grade - Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and below.

• The optometrist at this level possesses such academic stature as would warrant a faculty appointment of a professional level in an approved school or college of optometry
• Has demonstrated recognized superior professional attainment as evidenced by one or more of the following examples
  • Has served as a team leader in attacking major optometric problems affecting the continued provision of quality care health services at a VISN, statewide, or national level. There is such confidence in the optometrist at this level that there is unusual support of the individual's recommendations and conclusions
  • Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level
  • Has conducted high level studies in a difficult area of vision research which has contributed to a substantial advance in the health field, with important professional publications

Information Security:

The employee protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from; loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs.
Customer Service Responsibilities:

The incumbent meets the needs of customers while supporting the VA and CIHCS missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.