Optometrist Job

Indian Health Service

Key Skills:Primary eye care deliveryOcular disease diagnosis and treatmentClinical decision makingPatient managementInterpersonal communicationProfessional integrity

Advance Your Optometry Career with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dedicated optometrist looking to make a meaningful difference? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is actively recruiting skilled professionals to provide critical vision care to American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service, health equity, and clinical excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As an IHS Optometrist, you will be on the front lines of patient health. Your daily duties include:

Performing comprehensive ocular examinations for a wide range of patients.
Diagnosing and treating various ocular diseases and disorders.
Developing personalized treatment plans, including the prescription of corrective lenses and therapeutic medications.
Providing emergency ocular care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care.

Requirements

You must meet the following criteria to be considered for these positions:

Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice.
Testing: A passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.
Suitability: Ability to pass a federal background investigation and maintain clinical privileges.

Salary and Grade Level Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$119,297 - $185,885
Grade Levels	GS-11 to GS-12
Promotion Potential	Up to GS-12
Appointment Types	Permanent, Term, and Temporary

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with an extensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. Key highlights include:

Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
Federal Retirement Plans (FERS).
Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual.
Potential for student loan repayment through competitive programs.
Relocation incentives for qualified candidates.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Detail your clinical experience thoroughly in your resume, ensuring you include hours worked per week.
Documentation: Have your license and transcripts ready. While unofficial transcripts are accepted initially, official versions will be required later.
Stay Responsive: Monitor your email for USA Hire assessment links. These have firm deadlines and are required to remain in consideration.
Refine Your Focus: Use the location selection wisely, as you are limited to five choices.

Joining the Indian Health Service is an opportunity to serve where you are needed most. If you are ready to combine your clinical passion with a rewarding federal career, apply today and join our mission to improve health outcomes across Indian Country.

Why This Optometrist Job Matters

Transform lives through vision care—join the Indian Health Service and make a lasting impact in Native communities across the nation.

Optometrist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated Optometrists to join our healthcare team at various locations. As an Optometrist with the IHS, you will provide essential primary eye care, diagnose ocular diseases, and manage treatment plans for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This role offers a unique opportunity to practice in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your clinical expertise directly improves patient health outcomes. Whether you are seeking a career in a small, close-knit clinic or a larger health facility, this position offers the chance to serve diverse communities while enjoying the benefits of a federal career.

Requirements for Optometrist

U.S. Citizenship.
Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
E-Verify employment eligibility verification.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist

Completion of a one-year residency program in an accredited institution.
One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Experience in performing comprehensive ocular examinations and managing acute/chronic eye diseases.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Federal health and life insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Student loan repayment program eligibility (competitive)
✓Relocation or recruitment incentives for eligible candidates

💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements on USAJOBS.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes hours worked per week and detailed duties.
Select up to 5 preferred geographic locations.
Apply online and complete the required assessment if prompted.
Monitor your status via your USAJOBS account.
Complete all necessary background investigation paperwork if selected.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the experience listed in the duties section.
Upload transcripts early, even though they are optional during the initial application phase.
Verify your license information is clearly stated on your resume with expiration dates.
Check your email and USAJOBS portal regularly for assessment links or notifications.
Ensure your financial history is in good standing before applying, as it is a component of the background check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $119,297 to $185,885 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.

Are there student loan repayment options?

Yes, the IHS, National Health Service Corps, and HRSA have competitive loan repayment programs for qualifying health professionals.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

Yes, U.S. citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this federal position.

Can I apply if I haven't finished my residency?

If you are expected to complete your education and obtain licensure within 9 months, you may be considered tentatively qualified.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a nationwide organization dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate in a variety of settings, from urban centers to remote tribal communities, and our interdisciplinary teams are driven by compassion, innovation, and a desire to solve complex healthcare challenges.