Launch Your Clinical Career as an Optometrist with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting applications for a Clinical Optometrist at the Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital in Fort Polk, Louisiana. This role is an excellent opportunity for optometrists to apply their clinical expertise while supporting the health and readiness of the United States military community.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Optometrist, your duties will be diverse and highly impactful. You will be responsible for:
- Providing comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages, including pediatric and geriatric populations.
- Diagnosing and treating visual anomalies and pathologic conditions.
- Managing ocular injuries using therapeutic drugs.
- Acting as a Visual Conservation Officer to protect service members' vision in various working environments.
- Providing expert consultation to other medical staff members.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
- A valid, unrestricted license to practice optometry.
- Passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) tests.
- One year of specialized clinical experience or completion of an accredited residency.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and federal guidelines. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates entering the federal service for the first time.
| Pay Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 - $116,362 |
| Pay Basis | Per Year |
| Locality Pay | Included |
Benefits
Federal employment comes with a suite of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial health, including:
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous leave accrual, including annual and sick leave.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, keep your resume concise (two pages max) and ensure it clearly reflects your relevant experience. Always double-check your application for missing documents, such as your professional license, before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the residency requirement? A: If you do not have one year of specialized professional experience, you may qualify if you have completed a one-year residency program accredited for such training.
Q: Can I submit my application after the closing date? A: No, late submissions are not accepted. Ensure your application is complete by the posted deadline.
Serving as an Optometrist at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of providing world-class care to our armed forces. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a new professional challenge, apply today.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and make a vital impact on the vision care of our service members and their families.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is currently seeking a dedicated Optometrist to join the team at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital in Fort Polk, Louisiana. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide comprehensive eye care services within a military healthcare environment. As a key member of the clinical staff, you will diagnose and treat visual anomalies, manage ocular diseases, and serve as a vital resource for service members and their families.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Possess a current, full, and unrestricted optometry license in any U.S. State, District, or Territory.
- Must have achieved a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) exams.
- Minimum of one year of specialized professional experience in diagnosing and treating visual disorders or diseases.
- Successful completion of a one-year residency program is an acceptable alternative to specialized experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Demonstrated proficiency in refractive surgery co-management.
- Experience in pediatric and geriatric eye care.
- Prior clinical experience within a federal or military medical facility.
- Strong background in contact lens fittings and ocular disease management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunity for salary negotiation for new federal employees.
- ✓Potential for leave credit based on non-federal work experience.
💡 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 strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license and academic transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates and hours worked per week for all previous positions.
- Avoid using unexplained acronyms; use clear, professional language.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents, such as licenses, are current and legible.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential document processing times.
- Verify that your resume is under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be automatically rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience or a completed residency program alone.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, this position is classified as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
Are there limits on the length of my resume?
Yes, your resume must be no more than two pages. Resumes exceeding this length will not be considered.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense. It manages an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy services to millions of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. By joining the team at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, you become part of a strategic partnership that ensures the health of those who serve our nation.