Portland VA Healthcare System is hiring an Optometrist for the Portland, Oregon region. This position is part of the Surgical Care service line. The position is located at the Portland VAHCS in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA division and is expected to travel between the two locations.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements. Full Grade. Two 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 the 2 years of practice. Candidate must have demonstrated the professional competence and performance necessary to provide independently the full range of clinical optometric diagnosis and treatment for all the most prevalent types of vision dysfunctions and the detection and referral of patients with ocular disease or ocular manifestations of systemic disease. Intermediate Grade. Meets the requirements in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) below: (1) 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. (2) The optometrist at this level has successfully passed the examinations of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and has attained either of the following: (a) The stature that would warrant appointment at the clinical instructor or higher level at a school or college of optometry. (b) 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. (3) Has achieved a high level of professional attainment as illustrated by one or more of the following examples: (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) 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 the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) below: (1) 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. (2) Has demonstrated recognized superior professional attainment as evidenced by one or more of the following examples: (a) 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. (b) Has had responsibility for carrying out a major optometric program segment on a national level. (c) 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. Chief Grade. Meets the requirements for Senior grade and must demonstrate a sustained very high level of professional performance with evidence of exceptional professional and/or administrative development by the following: (1) Has assumed substantial professional and/or administrative responsibilities in which the individual is expected to fully advise and make professional clinical and educational recommendations as to courses of action on problems and considerations of national scope in all areas of optometry. Typically, the optometrist at this level has had responsibility for a 3 major optometric program segment on a nationwide basis and has been consistently called upon to represent the organization in an authoritative manner in matters dealing with development of new and/or revised concepts and programs having a major impact upon the academic, medical, and optometric communities. (2) Outstanding professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are: (a) Achievement of outstanding results in research which are regarded as having a major impact on advancing the field. (b) Significant number of noteworthy publications in professional journals. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Portland is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated in the northwestern area of the state at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Portland is known for having the amenities of a major city (such as an international airport, an efficient public transit system, major league sports teams and many museums and art galleries) and the charms of a small city (such as plentiful arts and crafts fairs, independent bookstores and local traditions like the annual Rose Festival Parade). Rain or shine, you can take advantage of the city's proximity to nature by playing in the Willamette River, wandering through lush public parks and gardens, biking the city's 162 miles (261 km) of bike lanes and hiking trails both within city limits and in the nearby Columbia River Gorge. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. The Staff Optometrist is credentialed and clinically privileged and are responsible for the care of all patients examined by optometric trainees. The staff optometrist will comply with the requirements for resident supervision as outlined in Veterans Health Administration Manual M-2, Part I, Chapter 26. Close supervision is required for fourth professional year students participating in clinical rotations at the Portland VA Medical Center from affiliated schools and college of optometry. The optometry staff must have direct contact with each patient evaluated by these trainees. The duties of this position are in support of the mission, goals, and objectives of the Portland VAMC, Bend Eye Clinic, Salem Eye Clinic, and the Vancouver Eye Clinic. Duties include, but not limited to: Expected to achieve a high level of productivity and patient satisfaction. Establishes effective and collaborative relationships with administration, other managers, and other health care professionals. A high level of flexibility and commitment to meet the dynamic needs of an evolving patient care system are vital. Acts as a teacher and mentor to Primary Care physicians, nurses, eye technicians, and opticians regarding appropriate eye examination, eye care and management of ocular diseases. Applies research findings in the care of patient populations and actively participates in research activities. Utilizes automated data processing systems to maximize efficiency of clinic operations and enhance continuity of care across the health care continuum. Demonstrates knowledge about basic concepts of aging and caring for the geriatric patient as evidenced by: the ability to obtain and interpret relevant information in terms of the patient's needs, geriatric aspects of growth and development, and an understanding of the range of interventions and treatments needed by the geriatric patient. Meets continuing education requirements Preferred Experience: Preferred Candidates who have completed residency training and/or have prior experience as staff optometrists within the Department of Veterans Affairs will be given highest consideration for appointment as staff optometrists at the Portland VA Medical Center. Prior experience as a clinical educator is also highly desirable. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (2-3 hrs); Standing (1-2 hrs); Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1600 PST Compressed Tour: May be considered Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.