Become a Staff Optometrist with the Department of Veterans Affairs
Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Staff Optometrist to serve our nation's Veterans in Vero Beach, Florida. This role offers the unique opportunity to integrate high-level clinical practice with an academic environment dedicated to the health and well-being of those who have served.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Optometrist, you will be instrumental in maintaining the quality of care standards at our facility. Your primary duties include:
- Diagnostic Excellence: Performing comprehensive assessments and diagnosing complex ophthalmic conditions.
- Treatment Planning: Developing and executing therapeutic health programs for patients.
- Collaborative Care: Working closely with Ophthalmology teams to ensure integrated eye care for Veterans.
- Academic Contribution: Supervising optometric externs and supporting the clinical administration of our teaching programs.
- Patient Advocacy: Educating patients on their eye health and managing conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the highest standard of care, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- A Doctorate of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited program.
- A current, full, and unrestricted medical license.
- Completion of an approved residency training program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a mandatory pre-employment physical.
Salary and Benefits
Working for the VA offers a comprehensive "total rewards" package. See the table below for a quick summary of what you can expect.
| Feature | Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $72,553 - $186,854 per year |
| Paid Leave | 26 days Annual, 13 days Sick, 11 Federal Holidays |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K (TSP) with 5% match |
| Insurance | Federal Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance |
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your application is accurate and complete. Use the standardized clinical resume template provided on the VA Careers website and ensure it is uploaded to the correct field. Pay close attention to the documentation of your residency and professional history to ensure your eligibility is clearly demonstrated.
Join a team where your work matters. By applying for the Staff Optometrist position in Vero Beach, you are stepping into a vital role within the VA healthcare system. Your skills will help restore and preserve vision for Veterans who have given so much. Start your application today.
Why This Staff Optometrist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while honoring those who have served our nation. Join the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center as a Staff Optometrist and provide world-class eye care to our Veterans in beautiful Vero Beach, Florida.
Staff Optometrist Job Overview
The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is actively recruiting for a dedicated and skilled Optometrist to join our healthcare team in Vero Beach, Florida. This position is vital to our mission of providing compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality eye care services to Veterans. The successful candidate will work within an academic hospital environment, contributing to both patient care and the professional development of optometric externs. If you are a collaborative practitioner committed to excellence, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Requirements for Staff Optometrist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Completion of an accredited residency program in a core specialty.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Optometrist
- Experience in a hospital-based or academic eye clinic setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex ocular conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills for multidisciplinary care.
- Interest in supervising and teaching optometric externs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential performance awards.
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Licensure and professional growth support.
💡 How to Apply Staff Optometrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Optometrist Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Download and prepare the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Upload your standard C.V. or resume as an 'Other' document.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on December 31, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Submit your application early; this position may close if filled through alternative means.
- Ensure your DD214 is included if you are claiming Veterans' Preference.
- Double-check that you have uploaded the specific, one-page Clinical Resume Document to the designated field.
- Be prepared for a pre-employment physical exam as part of the onboarding process.
- Review your application for completeness to avoid disqualification due to missing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though schedules may fluctuate based on patient care requirements.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Do I need to be board certified?
Physicians must have completed an accredited residency training program leading to board eligibility. Board certification may be required if participating in specific academic faculty programs.
Is this position remote?
No, this is an in-person clinical position at the Vero Beach facility.
Does the VA offer student loan repayment?
While not explicitly listed for this role, the VA offers various federal benefits, and compensation is highly competitive. Please consult with the HR contact provided for specific inquiries regarding recruitment incentives.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for Veterans, their families, and survivors. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center serves a vast population across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. As part of the Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), our facility is a hub of excellence, operating a community living center, blind rehabilitation services, and specialized trauma clinics.