Advance Your Career as a Low Vision Optometrist at the VA
Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a specialized Optometrist for the Blind Rehabilitation Service at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. This role is not just about clinical practice; it is about providing life-changing care to the men and women who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Low Vision Optometrist, you will function as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. Your primary duties include:
- Providing comprehensive eye care assessments and diagnostic planning.
- Managing conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
- Recommending and fitting low-vision aids to assist Veterans with daily living.
- Performing specialized imaging, including fluorescein angiography and ocular ultrasound (A/B scans).
- Collaborating with rehabilitation specialists to optimize patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific federal standards:
- Educational Requirement: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: Completion of an accredited residency program or at least two years of licensed, clinical experience focusing on medically complex patients.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background check, physical exam, and drug screening.
Salary and Compensation Comparison
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Health System |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | Highly Variable | $124,308 - $315,000 |
| Malpractice | Often Paid by Provider | Fully Covered (with tail) |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive Federal Pkg |
| Retirement | Provider Funded | Federal Pension + 401(k) |
Benefits of Working at the VA
Choosing a career at the VA comes with a robust "Total Rewards" package. Beyond a competitive salary, you will enjoy generous paid time off, federal retirement planning, and extensive insurance options that stay with you into retirement. Additionally, the VA supports your professional growth through potential CME reimbursement and performance-based salary increases.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Format: Download the official VA Clinical Resume document to ensure your application passes administrative filters.
- Highlight Complex Cases: Use your CV to emphasize experience with medically complex patients or low-vision rehabilitation.
- Prepare Documentation: Have your DD214 (if applicable) and state licensure documents ready to upload before starting the process.
Serving as an Optometrist at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center offers a rare combination of professional prestige, stability, and purpose. If you are ready to use your expertise to help Veterans navigate their vision challenges, apply through the USAJobs portal today.
Why This Optometrist (Low Vision) Job Matters
Transform lives as a specialized Low Vision Optometrist at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care for our nation’s heroes.
Optometrist (Low Vision) Job Overview
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Optometrist specializing in Low Vision to join our Blind Rehabilitation Service. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide comprehensive eye care, diagnostic assessments, and rehabilitative management for Veterans. You will play a vital role in an interdisciplinary team, improving the quality of life for those who have served our country while enjoying a robust, competitive federal compensation package.
Requirements for Optometrist (Low Vision)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted state licensure to practice optometry.
- Completion of an accredited residency program or at least two years of relevant clinical experience with medically complex patients.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Ability to meet background and security investigation requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Low Vision)
- Advanced expertise in managing complex visual defects such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
- Proficiency in ocular imaging, including fluorescein angiography and ocular ultrasound.
- Experience in an interdisciplinary clinical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to prescribe and fit specialized low-vision aids and contact lenses.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary with potential for performance bonuses.
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off (up to 55 days including holidays and sick leave).
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k)-style thrift savings plan with matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Continuing Medical Education (CME) support and reimbursement.
- ✓Exceptional work-life balance without the need for private practice administrative burdens.
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Low Vision) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Low Vision) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume template from the provided VA Careers link.
- Upload your resume, C.V., and any relevant licensure documents.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical residency or direct experience with complex ocular cases.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
- Double-check that your state license is current and searchable by board verification.
- Submit your documents well before the closing date to account for any potential technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Optometrist position?
The role focuses on providing specialized low vision eye care, including diagnostic examinations, rehabilitative management of vision defects, and the issuance of prosthetic aids within the Blind Rehabilitation Service.
Is residency training mandatory?
Yes, completion of an ACOE-accredited residency is required, though two years of licensed clinical experience in managing medically complex patients may be considered as a substitute.
Are there benefits for malpractice coverage?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides free professional liability protection, including tail coverage, for all eligible health care providers.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center serves as a cornerstone of healthcare in the Central Savannah River Area. By joining the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), you become part of a massive, mission-driven organization committed to "caring for those who have served." The VHA environment offers a unique blend of high-level clinical autonomy and the collaborative support of a nationwide medical network.