Va Optometry Residencies s1

TRADITION OF CLINICAL EXCELLENCE ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS/SCHOLARSHIP VA optometrists work and interact with other Approximately 61% of VA optometrists have health care providers as important members of faculty appointments at affiliated schools and an interdisciplinary health care team. As part colleges of optometry. Many VA optometrists of the medical staff, they enjoy a broad range also hold other academic appointments; about of clinical privileges in a variety of work 8% are affiliated with schools and colleges of VA OPTOMETRIC environments, including VA medical centers, medicine and osteopathy. VA optometrists ambulatory care centers, community living help train about 1200 to 1300 optometry SERVICE centers, blind rehabilitation centers as well as students, over 215 optometry residents, and up community-based outpatient clinics. Many to 6 optometric fellows annually at VA medical The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), challenging and rewarding VA opportunities facilities across the country. a division of the Department of Veterans allow optometrists to fully utilize their Affairs (VA), is the largest integrated health professional skills and knowledge, while also These academic affiliations, as well as care system in the world. VA Optometric working with peers who are recognized as continuing education offered by local facilities, Service was created by Public Law 94-581 experts in the field. provide lifelong learning opportunities. Most on October 21, 1976 with the establishment VA optometrists become Fellows and/or of the Director of Optometric Service VA optometrists provide comprehensive Diplomates of the American Academy of position. In that law, optometrists were also low vision rehabilitation services at regional Optometry. As a group, they are widely transferred with podiatrists into Chapter 73 inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Centers. This published, having authored numerous peer- of Title 38, United States Code that had specialty care is complemented by low vision reviewed journal articles, book chapters and previously included allopathic and rehabilitation care at outpatient low vision and textbooks, and are sought after lecturers at osteopathic physicians and dentists. blind rehabilitation clinics as well as Visual local, regional, national, and international Impairment Center To Optimize Remaining professional meetings. For more than a quarter century, VA Sight (VICTORS) programs. Optometric Service has evolved into a EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS national leader for provision of quality EYE/VISION RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Hiring decisions are determined locally, so patient care, clinical education, and research. Through funded research grants that are applications or questions should be directed to Over 775 optometrists at more than 325 VA provided by VA Research Service, National the point of contact at the VA facility where facility sites across the country provide the Eye Institute within NIH, and private sources, employment is desired. This may include the majority of primary eye care and low vision many VA optometrists actively participate in Human Resources Management Service, Chief rehabilitation services for our Nation’s low vision rehabilitation and basic research as of Optometry Service, or the service chief Veterans. The role of the VA Optometric well as multi-center clinical trials. The results under which optometry is administratively Service, as well as expansion of optometric of these research projects have resulted in organized. You may also contact the Director, career opportunities, continues to develop improved ocular disease prevention and low Optometric Service, or visit our website at into the 21st century. vision rehabilitation outcomes for the rapidly http://www.va.gov/optometry/ for current increasing number of visually impaired and employment opportunities. legally blind Veterans. VA FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS VA OPTOMETRIST QUALIFICATIONS Basic Benefit Plan Minimum requirements include:  Group health and life insurance  O.D. degree from an Accreditation plans, subsidized by the Council on Optometric Education Federal Government (ACOE) accredited institution  Flexible Spending Accounts  Current, active, unrestricted availability license in any state or territory of the United States  Liability protection under Federal Tort Claims Act,  U.S. citizen (non-citizens may 28 U.S.C. (b)-(d) be appointed when qualified citizens are not available)  Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) includes basic  English language proficiency pension benefit, Social Security,  Satisfactory physical examination and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to 401(k) Salary Information  Promotion opportunities for Entry level grade and salary is determined by personal achievement and the Optometry Professional Standards Board clinical excellence based on professional education, training, and experience, including such credentials as: Leave and Holidays  ACOE accredited Residency training  26 days annual vacation leave VA OPTOMETRIC SERVICE (accumulates up to 86 days)  National Board of Examiners in Optometry certification CAREER OPPORTUNITIES  13 days annual sick leave (unlimited accumulation)  Fellow, American Academy of Optometry John C. Townsend, O.D., F.A.A.O.  Up to 15 days military leave Director, Optometric Service (10P4E) (reservists, National Guard)  Authorship and publication Veterans Health Administration  10 paid Federal holidays  Qualification for affiliated George H. Fallon Federal Building academic appointment 31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 1250  Family and Medical Leave Act Baltimore, Maryland 21201 participation  Evidence of previous Phone: (410) 637-4754 clinical excellence  Additional time off may be Fax: (410) 637-4751 given for continuing education Website: http://www.va.gov/optometry/