Excelling in Optometry: A Career with the Miami VA Healthcare System

Are you a dedicated optometrist looking to elevate your career while providing vital care to those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting talented professionals for Optometrist roles within the Miami VA Healthcare System. This is a unique opportunity to join a network dedicated to compassionate, whole-health patient care.

Job Responsibilities

Optometrists in this role provide the full spectrum of vision care. Key duties include:

Diagnosing and managing refractive conditions and binocular disorders.
Detecting and treating ocular diseases and complications related to systemic conditions.
Performing clinical evaluations, such as pupillary function and biomicroscopic exams.
Documenting encounters efficiently within the CPRS medical records system.
Collaborating with ophthalmologists and nursing staff for integrated care.

Comparison of Clinical Requirements

Level	Experience Required	Additional Criteria
Associate	Basic Requirements	N/A
Full	2 Years / 1 Year Residency	Professional Competence
Intermediate	4 Years / 2 Years Residency	NBEO Certification
Senior	Meets Intermediate	Academic/Professional Stature
Chief	Meets Senior	National/Administrative Impact

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school. You must possess a current, full, and unrestricted state license. All applicants must pass a pre-employment physical and are subject to security investigations and drug screenings.

Salary Overview

Positions are compensated between $78,745 and $195,200 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and the specific grade level determined during the formal pay-setting process.

Benefits

The VA offers a robust benefits package, including competitive health insurance, retirement planning, generous leave policies, and the intrinsic reward of supporting Veterans.

Application Tips

Use the provided Clinical Resume template.
Clearly list dates and hours for every past position.
Verify your license details.

If you are ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply today. Your expertise is essential to our mission of honoring America's Veterans through superior healthcare.

Why This Optometrist Job Matters

Join a dedicated team of professionals providing world-class vision care to our nation's heroes across the beautiful South Florida region.

Optometrist Job Overview

The Miami VA Healthcare System is seeking committed Optometrists to join our clinical team. As part of the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center network, you will provide comprehensive eye care services to Veterans at multiple locations. This continuous announcement allows for ongoing recruitment to support our mission of excellence in healthcare delivery. We value clinicians who are passionate about patient-centered care, diagnostic precision, and collaborative interdisciplinary work.

Requirements for Optometrist

United States Citizenship
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
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist

Completion of an accredited residency program
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) certification
Clinical experience in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases and systemic disease manifestations
Previous experience within a major clinical or hospital-based setting
Demonstrated history of professional leadership or academic involvement

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Opportunities for professional development and research participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to whole-health care
✓Access to a vast network of VA specialty services

💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist Job

Create or update your account on USAJobs
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document template
Prepare a detailed resume including dates, hours worked, and specific duties
Gather education transcripts and your most recent SF-50 (if currently a VA employee)
Complete the online questionnaire through the application portal
Submit your full application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application is not rejected.
Be detailed in your resume; include the specific number of hours worked per week for each position.
Ensure your professional licensure information is current and easily verifiable.
Select all geographic locations where you are willing to work to maximize your chances of referral.
Check your application status regularly through your account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a temporary position?

This is an open continuous announcement used to fill various permanent, full-time, or part-time vacancies as they arise. Your application will remain on file until the closing date.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No, you do not need to be a veteran to apply. The VA welcomes all qualified applicants who are U.S. citizens.

Can I apply for multiple locations?

Yes, you are encouraged to select all locations where you would be interested in working to increase your referral potential.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Miami VA Healthcare System serves a critical role in the South Florida region. With nine locations—ranging from the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami to community clinics in Hollywood, Key West, and beyond—we provide a vast array of medical services. We pride ourselves on being a center of excellence for research, spinal cord injury care, and comprehensive specialty services.