Advance Your Career as a Clinical Optometrist with the Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Clinical Optometrist position at the Reynolds Army Health Clinic in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the military community by providing high-quality eye care to those who serve our nation. If you are a licensed optometrist looking to transition into a rewarding role within a large-scale, integrated healthcare system, this position provides stability, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a profound difference.

Job Responsibilities

As an Optometrist at the Reynolds Army Health Clinic, you will perform a variety of critical tasks, including:

Conducting comprehensive visual and ocular exams.
Diagnosing complex visual anomalies and pathological ocular conditions.
Providing effective treatment for eye injuries and diseases.
Collaborating with medical staff to provide consultative eye care.
Assisting in the medical profiling of basic trainees and service members to ensure operational readiness.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in the U.S. and a passing score on the NEBO examination.
Experience: One year of professional clinical experience or completion of a residency program.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.

Comparison Table: Why Choose Federal Optometry?

Feature	Private Practice	Federal Service (DHA)
Benefit Structure	Varies by Owner	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Patient Base	General Public	Military, Retirees, Families
Career Path	Business Focus	Mission/Readiness Focus
Loan Support	Rare	Potential Repayment Programs

Salary and Benefits

Qualified candidates can expect a salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from:

Federal health and retirement programs.
Opportunities for student loan repayment.
Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
A structured environment focused on clinical excellence rather than revenue generation.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages. Longer documents will be removed from consideration.
Be Specific: Detail your hours worked and your specific clinical responsibilities. Do not rely on HR to infer your level of expertise.
Sanitize Personal Info: If you provide military orders or marriage certificates, feel free to remove sensitive personal data such as social security numbers.

Serving as an Optometrist within the Defense Health Agency is more than a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of our military personnel. With competitive federal pay, excellent benefits, and a mission-driven work environment, this position at Fort Sill is an excellent career move for any dedicated eye care professional. Apply today to start your journey with the DHA.

Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters

Advance your clinical career and support our service members at the Reynolds Army Health Clinic in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Optometrist (Clinical) to provide expert eye care at the Reynolds Army Health Clinic. This role is essential to maintaining the readiness of our military personnel through comprehensive ocular examinations, disease diagnosis, and treatment. As a Direct Hire position, this is an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals to join a premier integrated healthcare system and make a tangible impact on the lives of service members, retirees, and their families.

Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)

Possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Must have achieved a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) examinations.
Maintain a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Territory.
Must have at least one year of professional experience in optometric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must successfully complete a drug test.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)

Completion of a one-year residency program in an accredited institution.
Experience in a federal or military clinical environment.
Ability to provide consultative services to interdisciplinary medical teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Student loan repayment options may be authorized.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid time off and federal holidays.

💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to build or update your profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly detailing your specialized experience and hours worked.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including your optometry license, transcripts, and any applicable performance appraisals.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the 'specialized experience' mentioned in the job post.
Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this length will not be reviewed.
Avoid acronyms and technical jargon to ensure the HR team fully understands your experience.
Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard to confirm submission.
Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the automated virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required year of experience?

No, this specific position requires one year of professional clinical experience or a one-year residency program; education cannot be substituted for this requirement.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Relocation incentives or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to agency determination.

What is the typical work schedule?

This position is located at a clinic and requires the provider to be available to perform examinations and contribute to medical profiling for service members.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an in-person clinical role located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.*

How often is this position open?

*A: This is an open continuous announcement, meaning vacancies are filled as they become available.*

Job from Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense. It is responsible for the delivery of healthcare services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By improving health outcomes and fostering medical readiness, the DHA ensures that the Joint Force is supported anywhere in the world, at any time.