Become a Health Technician (Optometry) with the Defense Health Agency
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the health and readiness of our military personnel? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Health Technician (Optometry) at the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. This position is a unique opportunity for qualified individuals to provide specialized visual care and support to our nation's aviators and service members.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will serve as a vital member of the optometry clinical team. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Education: Guiding aviators on approved soft contact lens options and solutions.
- Clinical Testing: Conducting specialized vision assessments, including color and depth perception tests, to meet the requirements of aircrew and occupational positions.
- Record Management: Reviewing medical history and updating patient visual status records.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring all clinical equipment is properly maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
- Injury Support: Assisting with eye patching, irrigation, and other urgent procedures as directed by the optometrist.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Education: A minimum of 9 semester hours of graduate-level study in Optometry, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Medical Standards: Must maintain vision corrected to at least 20/30 in each eye.
- Documentation: A strict two-page resume limit is enforced.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Qualification Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 Year | Must show work at GS-05 equivalent |
| Education | 9 Graduate Sem Hours | Must be related field (Optometry/Science) |
| Certification | Ophthalmic Assistant | Highly desired but not required |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees benefit from the stability of federal employment, including comprehensive health coverage and retirement planning options.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume clearly links your experience to the duties mentioned in the announcement. Use clear, simple language. Remember that you must re-select documents from your USAJOBS account during the final application process, as the system does not always carry them over automatically.
The Health Technician (Optometry) role at Ellsworth AFB is an excellent path for healthcare professionals dedicated to serving those who protect our nation. If you meet the qualifications, prepare your application carefully and submit it before August 28, 2026.
Why This Health Technician (Optometry) Job Matters
Launch your healthcare career with the Defense Health Agency at Ellsworth Air Force Base, providing essential optical support to our nation's service members.
Health Technician (Optometry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Optometry) to join the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. This role is pivotal in maintaining the vision health of military personnel, including specialized aircrew, through clinical testing, patient education, and equipment maintenance within a high-stakes military medical environment.
Requirements for Health Technician (Optometry)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- One year of specialized experience in an optometry setting equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- Completion of at least 9 semester hours of graduate-level education in fields like Optometry, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Must maintain vision corrected to at least 20/30 in each eye with no central scotoma.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Optometry)
- Current certification as an ophthalmic assistant from a recognized national organization (AOA, ABO, or JCAHPO).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal healthcare and benefits package
- ✓Professional development within a global health system
- ✓Stable working environment in a military medical facility
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Optometry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Optometry) Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly documenting relevant work hours and experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application portal.
- Upload required supporting documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit the full application package before the closing date of August 28, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month and year) and average weekly hours worked.
- Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms; the hiring board will not infer missing details.
- Verify that your uploaded documents clear the system virus scan by checking your dashboard periodically.
- If claiming education, submit all transcripts immediately to avoid an incomplete rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?
Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, though Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not currently authorized.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, relevant volunteer work, including professional, community, or national service programs, is considered if it demonstrates the required specialized experience.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, a drug test is mandatory for this role.
What is the security level?
This position is classified as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. With a focus on readiness and combat support, the DHA serves over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Joining this team means contributing to a mission-critical objective: ensuring that those who serve our country receive the highest standard of medical and optical care.