Advance Your Career: Optometrist Opportunity at Camp Lejeune
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a high-impact Optometrist position (GS-12) located at the Atlantic Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This role is more than just a clinical job; it is a chance to serve those who serve our country, ensuring that our warfighters and their families receive top-tier ocular care. If you are an experienced optometrist looking to transition into the federal sector, this position offers a stable, mission-driven career path.
Job Responsibilities
As an Optometrist, your primary focus will be providing comprehensive clinical care. Your daily duties will include:
- Conducting comprehensive eye examinations for active-duty personnel and military families.
- Diagnosing and managing visual disorders and ocular diseases.
- Performing military vision screenings to determine fitness for duty.
- Applying advanced technology and neuro-visual testing in clinical settings.
- Serving as an active member of an interdisciplinary medical team to ensure patient health.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: One year of professional clinical experience or one year of completed residency training.
- Exams: Passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) tests.
Salary and Comparison
This role offers a competitive federal salary range commensurate with experience and federal pay scales. The following table highlights what makes this federal opportunity unique compared to traditional private practice.
| Feature | Federal DHA Optometry | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Job Security | High (Federal Civil Service) | Varies |
| Patient Base | Active Duty & Families | General Public |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Federal Plan | Varies by Employer |
| Mission | Military Readiness | Profit-Driven |
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrued paid leave and federal holidays.
- Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
Since this is a 'flyer announcement,' the application process is direct.
- Format: Keep your resume under two pages; longer resumes will not be accepted.
- Clarity: Use plain language and avoid internal medical jargon where possible.
- Documentation: Double-check that your license, transcripts, and performance appraisals are attached to your email.
- Compliance: Ensure your contact information and work history details are 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the security clearance requirement? A: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance due to the sensitivity of military medical facilities.
Q: Is there relocation assistance? A: The agency may offer relocation or recruitment incentives for exceptionally qualified candidates; however, standard permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
Serving as an Optometrist at Camp Lejeune offers the perfect blend of clinical autonomy and public service. By contributing your skills to the DHA, you play a critical role in the health and readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces. Apply today to start your federal healthcare journey.
Why This Optometrist Job Matters
Join the elite medical team at Camp Lejeune—provide mission-critical eye care to the heroes who defend our nation.
Optometrist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Optometrist to join the medical staff at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a primary eye care provider, delivering diagnostic, preventative, and clinical services to active-duty service members and their families. This position is essential to maintaining the operational readiness of our military force. You will utilize advanced ocular technology to assess visual health, manage complex eye conditions, and determine fitness for military duty. This is a unique opportunity to practice in a high-impact environment where your expertise directly supports the health and combat-readiness of the Joint Force.
Requirements for Optometrist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program
- Current, full, and unrestricted optometry license in any U.S. State, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory
- Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams
- One year of professional clinical optometry experience or one year of accredited residency training
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Completion of a drug test and, for males born after 1959, Selective Service registration
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist
- Advanced experience in military clinical vision management
- Expertise in refractive surgery support and neuro-visual testing
- Proven history of excellence in interdisciplinary clinical environments
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist Job
- Prepare a resume of two pages or less highlighting specific clinical experience, hours worked, and employment dates.
- Gather your Doctor of Optometry transcripts, professional license, and relevant certifications.
- Draft a cover letter and compile your most recent performance appraisal if available.
- Email your complete application package directly to LCDR Kantar at [email protected].
- Await email confirmation of your submission from the hiring team.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or it will be disqualified.
- Be precise with your work history; include exact dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Avoid using obscure acronyms that HR reviewers might not recognize.
- Ensure your license and transcripts are clearly legible and attached as PDFs.
- Submit your application well before the July 31, 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, this position is classified as Noncritical-Sensitive and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of professional experience as an optometrist or one year of residency training. Education alone does not substitute for this requirement.
How do I submit my application?
This is a flyer announcement. Unlike standard USAJobs applications, you must email your resume, transcripts, and license documents directly to LCDR Kantar at [email protected].
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the backbone of healthcare within the Department of Defense. Operating as an integrated system, the agency provides medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide. By working here, you join a dedicated team of healthcare professionals focused on "Anytime, Anywhere, Always" readiness.