Providing Elite Eye Care: Clinical Optometrist Opportunities at Womack Army Medical Center

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Clinical Optometrist to join the medical team at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This position is a rare opportunity for clinicians to transition into a federal practice setting where the primary focus is on high-quality patient outcomes for those who serve in our armed forces.

Job Responsibilities

As a primary eye care provider, your role will be multifaceted. You will:

Conduct comprehensive eye exams for diverse patient demographics.
Manage pre- and post-operative refractive surgery cases in coordination with ophthalmology staff.
Diagnose and treat ocular diseases and visual anomalies using therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
Provide clinical guidance and supervision to optometric students and eye technicians.
Ensure the highest standards of care in eye-hazardous occupational settings.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must demonstrate:

Educational Background: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Board Qualifications: Successful completion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) exams.
Professional Experience: At least one year of clinical experience or completion of a residency.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. Federal Optometry

Feature	Private Practice	Federal Optometry (DHA)
Patient Focus	Business/Profitability	Mission Readiness
Benefits	Varies by Employer	Comprehensive Federal Package
Salary Range	Variable/Commission	Structured/Locality Pay
Career Growth	Dependent on Ownership	Defined Career Paths

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $127,884 to $166,253 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Note that salary negotiation is possible for those new to federal service, and potential recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified applicants.

Benefits

Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Competitive federal retirement planning and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid leave and federal holidays.
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Repayment programs.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a strict administrative requirement.
Include Detail: Quantify your hours and define your clinical scope clearly.
Sanitize Sensitive Data: While you should include proof of credentials, feel free to redact unnecessary personal information from supplemental documents.

Serving as a Clinical Optometrist at Womack Army Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and readiness of the U.S. military. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply before the September 1, 2026, deadline.

Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters

Join the elite team at Womack Army Medical Center and provide world-class clinical eye care to our nation's heroes in Fort Bragg, NC.

Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Clinical Optometrist to join the Department of Primary Care at Womack Army Medical Center. In this vital role, you will serve as a primary eye care provider, delivering comprehensive visual services ranging from routine examinations to pre- and post-operative refractive surgery management. This position offers the unique opportunity to practice in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your clinical expertise directly impacts the readiness and health of our military force.

Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Must have a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) examinations.
Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in any State, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Possess at least one year of professional optometric experience or completion of an accredited one-year residency program.
Must pass a drug screening test.
Willingness to complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)

Prior experience in managing refractive surgery patients.
Expertise in therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
Experience working with military, pediatric, or geriatric patient populations.
Proficiency in advanced optometric instrumentation and clinical diagnostics.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Potential for salary negotiation for new federal hires.
✓Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Potential for student loan repayment programs.
✓Access to extensive federal medical and professional benefits.
✓Professional work-life balance in the culturally diverse Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area.

💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, focusing on specialized clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation including transcripts and a copy of your current, unrestricted optometry license.
Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
Submit your full application package by the closing date of September 1, 2026.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Use clear, professional language and avoid obscure acronyms.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week for each position.
Double-check that all required documents, especially your license and transcripts, are uploaded and readable.
Apply well before the deadline to account for potential document processing or system delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is residency required for this position?

You must have either one year of professional experience or have completed a one-year accredited residency program.

Can I negotiate my starting salary?

Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the Federal service.

Is telework available for this role?

No, this position is not eligible for telework as it requires in-person clinical care.

What is the work environment like at Fort Bragg?

Fort Bragg offers a vibrant, culturally diverse area located within driving distance of both beautiful beaches and the Appalachian mountains.

How do I verify my application status?

You can track your status by logging into your USAJOBS account and visiting your dashboard.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is the heartbeat of the Military Health System (MHS). Tasked with managing a global network of hospitals and clinics, the DHA ensures that our military members, retirees, and their families receive exceptional medical care. As an Optometrist at Womack, you will be part of a joint, integrated team that prioritizes clinical readiness and cutting-edge medical service.