Summary

North Florida/ South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Surgical Care Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Ophthalmologist surgeon that specializes in the diagnosis - treatment and surgical management of Cataracts. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards - as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
• Current - full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training - approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program in Ophthalmology leading to eligibility for board certification
• (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) - b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) -OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States) - which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs)
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e. - not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged
• rather - they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision
• Additionally - surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
• Board certified in Ophthalmology
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019
• This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health
• This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs. - carrying objects up to 15 lbs. - frequent reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - hands and legs - use of cranes and motor vehicles - walking & standing up to 8 hours - bending and climbing and able to hear whisper
• The incumbent must be physically - emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.

Duties

• This announcement has been amended to remove the bargaining unit status because on August 6 - 2025 - pursuant to EO 14251 - the Secretary terminated master collective bargaining agreement
• This announcement has been amended to include ERDP
• This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled
• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis
• Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until a selection is made
• This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
• You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment
• Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Physician Total Rewards
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized
• Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP
• Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN8CCOE@va.gov for questions/assistance
• Learn more
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1 -000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting The ideal candidate for this position must be able to work in a fast-paced outpatient environment
• They should be comfortable supervising and training residents in an academic teaching facility
• This position will fully participate in the call schedule
• A summary of the duties is mentioned below but not limited to: Conduct comprehensive eye exams to assess patients' vision and overall eye health
• Diagnose cataracts and determine the severity and necessity for surgical intervention
• Counsel patients about their condition - treatment options - and expected outcomes
• Perform cataract surgeries - including phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation
• Select and customize the appropriate intraocular lenses (IOLs) based on patient needs (e.g
• monofocal - multifocal - or toric lenses)
• Utilize advanced surgical techniques and technologies to ensure precision and optimal patient outcomes - Monitor patients' recovery - manage complications - and adjust postoperative treatment plans as needed
• Prescribe medications and provide detailed instructions for aftercare
• Conduct follow-up appointments to assess the success of the surgery and and address patient concerns
• Work closely with optometrists - ophthalmic technicians - and other healthcare providers for preoperative and postoperative management
• Refer patients to specialists if additional treatments or procedures are required
• Provide detailed explanations of risks - benefits - and alternatives to surgery
• Educate patients on preventive measures and how to maintain eye health post- surgery
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records - including surgical outcomes and patient history
• Ensure adherence to medical - ethical - and legal standards in ophthalmology practice
• Participation in the call schedule staffing residents
• Teaching residents in the clinic and operating room
• Provide care to urgent/emergent walk-in patients in the clinic Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (and rotational weekends and holidays when covering call) (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor
• The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).