Advance Your Career as an Optometrist with the Indian Health Service

Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a genuine difference? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking talented Optometrists to join our team of healthcare providers nationwide. Serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities offers a unique, rewarding, and culturally rich career path for clinicians who value service-oriented medicine.

About the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate an extensive network of hospitals and clinics, providing a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an innovative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to solving complex health challenges.

Job Responsibilities

As an IHS Optometrist, you will be on the front lines of patient care. Your responsibilities include:

Primary Eye Care: Performing full-scope comprehensive eye examinations for patients of all ages.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Identifying, diagnosing, and managing ocular diseases and disorders of the visual system.
Patient Care Planning: Developing individualized treatment plans and prescribing corrective lenses and therapeutic medications.
Emergency Services: Providing essential ocular care for patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for these positions, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Education	Doctor of Optometry from an ACOE-accredited program
Licensure	Current, full, unrestricted license in a U.S. State or Territory
Examinations	Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Citizenship	U.S. Citizenship is mandatory

Salary and Benefits

Federal employment with the IHS offers a competitive total rewards package. The salary range for this role is $119,297 to $185,885 per year, depending on experience and location. Additionally, we provide:

Healthcare: Comprehensive federal insurance plans.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus federal holidays.
Student Loan Assistance: Access to competitive loan repayment programs for qualifying health professionals.

How to Apply

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Start by visiting the USAJOBS portal. Ensure your resume is detailed—include specific hours per week for each job title to demonstrate your level of expertise. Be prepared to complete a series of assessments, which are used to evaluate your qualifications against the needs of the agency.

Working as an Optometrist with the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to improving health equity. If you are ready to apply your clinical skills in a setting where your impact is felt every single day, we invite you to review our current openings and submit your application today.

Why This Optometrist Job Matters

Transform lives and improve health outcomes for Native American and Alaska Native communities as a vital Optometrist with the Indian Health Service.

Optometrist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated Optometrists to join our interdisciplinary healthcare teams across various locations. This role is perfect for those who are passionate about delivering comprehensive eye care, diagnosing complex ocular conditions, and making a tangible impact on the wellness of underserved populations. We offer a dynamic work environment where your expertise in primary eye care, disease management, and patient education will directly enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve.

Requirements for Optometrist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, DC, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Must have passed all National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist

Completion of a one-year residency program accredited for optometric training.
One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Demonstrated ability to manage acute and chronic ocular diseases.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Eligibility for federal student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC/HRSA).
✓Paid federal holidays and flexible work schedules.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare your resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder for best results.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and professional license proof.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
Follow the provided instructions to complete any required USA Hire Assessments.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all dates, hours per week, and salary details are captured.
List your professional licenses, including expiration dates, clearly in your resume.
Submit unofficial transcripts early to verify your educational qualifications.
Monitor your email and USAJOBS account regularly for notifications regarding assessment links.
Ensure your resume specifically addresses the core duties of diagnosing and managing ocular diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there student loan repayment options for this position?

Yes, the IHS, NHSC, and HRSA offer student loan repayment programs for eligible health disciplines, subject to funding and agency priorities.

Is this a remote position?

No, this role requires physical presence at an IHS facility to perform clinical duties.

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

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

Can I select where I work?

Yes, the announcement allows you to select up to five preferred locations. You will be considered only for those regions.

Is a background check required?

Yes, as this position involves contact with children, a thorough federal background investigation is a standard condition of employment.