Clinical Optometrist: Serve Those Who Serve at Fort Jackson
Are you a dedicated optometrist looking to transition your clinical skills into a mission-driven environment? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Clinical Optometrist for the Army Health Clinic Moncrief at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide essential eye care to our nation's military service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Optometrist, you will act as a Vision Conservation Officer. Your responsibilities include:
- Conducting comprehensive visual and ocular examinations.
- Diagnosing complex conditions based on test results and medical history.
- Managing ocular diseases and treating minor pathology using therapeutic drugs.
- Educating and mentoring optometric interns in a clinical setting.
- Overseeing the Vision Conservation Program to protect the eyesight of military personnel.
Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for this role:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: Either one year of professional optometry experience or completion of an accredited residency program.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year or Accredited Residency |
| Licensure | Unrestricted State License Required |
| Education | ACOE Accredited Doctorate |
| Nationality | U.S. Citizen |
Salary and Benefits
Qualified candidates can expect a salary range between $122,861 and $159,722 annually, commensurate with experience and locality pay. Benefits include federal health coverage, a robust retirement plan, and potential recruitment or relocation incentives for top-tier applicants.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Document Clarity: Ensure all licenses and transcripts are uploaded correctly.
- Avoid Acronyms: Write your clinical achievements in plain language.
This position is an exceptional way to provide high-quality care while supporting the health and readiness of the Joint Force. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a career at Fort Jackson, apply via the official USAJOBS portal before the August 6, 2026 deadline.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Join the defense health front line as a clinical optometrist at Fort Jackson, where your expertise directly supports the readiness of our military personnel.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Optometrist to join the team at the Army Health Clinic Moncrief in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In this role, you will deliver vital eye care services, serving as a Vision Conservation Officer and providing comprehensive examinations and therapeutic treatments to a diverse patient population of service members and their families.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program
- Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- One year of professional experience or completion of a residency program
- Ability to pass a drug test
- Must complete a Selective Service registration if born after Dec 31, 1959
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Experience in a clinical optometry setting diagnosing and treating ocular diseases
- Proven history of prescribing therapeutic medications
- Background in instructional or teaching settings, particularly with student interns
- Demonstrated expertise in Vision Conservation programming
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the job announcement and ensure you meet all specialized experience criteria.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it is two pages or less and includes all required work details.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload required documentation, including your optometry license, transcripts, and any supporting credentials.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM EST on August 6, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding two pages will be excluded from consideration.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your professional experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Double-check that your license and transcripts are clearly legible when uploaded.
- Apply well before the deadline, as document virus scans can take time to process.
- Avoid acronyms; describe your clinical experience using clear, plain language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a residency program required to qualify?
While a one-year residency is one way to qualify, you may also qualify through one year of professional clinical experience as an optometrist.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position requires applicants to meet the qualification requirements through professional experience or residency; no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Are recruitment incentives available?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the discretion of the hiring agency.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated medical system that delivers healthcare across the Department of Defense. As a strategic partner in global readiness, the DHA ensures that military personnel receive top-tier medical, dental, and pharmacy support. By joining the Optometry Service at the Army Health Clinic Moncrief, you become a critical part of a team dedicated to medical excellence and mission readiness.