Advance Your Optometry Career with the VA

Are you looking for a position that combines professional growth with a noble mission? The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System is currently looking for skilled Optometrists to join their clinical teams. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential eye care to those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an Optometrist with the VA, you will serve as an independent practitioner within the Eye Care Service. Your core duties will include:

Diagnosing and managing a full spectrum of ocular conditions.
Performing routine eye exams and prescribing optical aids.
Monitoring ocular manifestations of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and glaucoma.
Collaborating with specialized medical teams to coordinate patient care.
Participating in the education and mentorship of optometric externs.

Comparison of Potential Grade Levels

Grade Level	Requirements	Key Competency
Associate	Basic requirements met	Clinical entry
Full	2 years practice or residency	Independent practice
Intermediate	4 years practice or residency	Professional attainment
Senior	Academic stature/faculty potential	Mentorship potential
Chief	National scope/administrative role	Systemic impact

Requirements

Applicants must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school and hold an active, unrestricted license. Proficiency in English is required, and all candidates must undergo a physical examination and security check.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries range from $73,939 to $190,424 per year. Additionally, the VA offers the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible candidates.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your CV is comprehensive. Detail your clinical experience, including the types of conditions you have managed and your specific diagnostic skills. Because this is an open continuous announcement, patience is key—your application will remain active for future consideration.

If you are a mission-driven professional, a career with the VA offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a chance to make a lasting difference. Visit the USAJOBS portal to review the full details and submit your application.

Why This Optometrist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while advancing your clinical career in a premier VA healthcare environment.

Optometrist Job Overview

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System is seeking dedicated Optometrists to join our team of medical professionals. This open continuous announcement allows us to fill positions across a variety of locations throughout Florida and Georgia as needs arise. We are committed to providing world-class, comprehensive eye care to our nation's Veterans, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and an integrated approach to whole health. Successful candidates will work within a collaborative, teaching-focused environment that prioritizes excellence in patient care, research, and professional development.

Requirements for Optometrist

U.S. Citizenship (or appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited institution.
Active, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist

Completion of an approved optometric residency training program.
Demonstrated experience in diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic eye care.
Academic stature suitable for faculty appointment in a school of optometry.
Significant professional attainment, including notable research or peer-reviewed publications.
Experience managing ocular conditions including diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualified individuals, up to $200,000.
✓Professional development within a major teaching hospital system.
✓Opportunities for collaboration with major universities, including the University of Florida.
✓Exposure to state-of-the-art medical technology.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.

💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you meet all criteria.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your CV and educational transcripts.
Submit your application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV includes specific details, including month/year of employment and whether roles were full-time or part-time.
Do not wait until the last minute; ensure your application is submitted well before the December 2026 deadline.
Clearly highlight your experience with clinical optometry, diagnostic equipment, and patient management.
Verify that your license information is current and easily accessible for documentation purposes.
Check your USAJOBS portal regularly for updates on your application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an open continuous announcement?

It means the agency accepts applications on an ongoing basis for a specific period. If a vacancy arises, qualified applicants already in the system will be reviewed for potential referral to hiring managers.

Is student loan repayment available?

Yes, some positions are eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides reimbursement for eligible student loans up to $200,000, subject to VHA policy requirements.

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to apply?

Preference is given to U.S. citizens. However, in certain circumstances, non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for our nation’s Veterans, their families, and survivors. As part of this mission, the North Florida/South Georgia system acts as a premier teaching network. With affiliations with the University of Florida College of Medicine and other major academic institutions, the system provides a robust environment for research, teaching, and complex patient care.