Advance Your Career as a VA Optometrist in Kernersville
The W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center is currently seeking a highly skilled Optometrist to join our clinical team at the VA Clinic in Kernersville, North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered eye care to those who have bravely served our nation. With a competitive salary and comprehensive federal benefits, this role is perfect for clinicians who value professional growth, clinical excellence, and meaningful patient connections.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide full-scope optometric services to Veterans. Your primary duties will include:
- Comprehensive Clinical Care: Conducting vision and eye disease examinations in an outpatient setting.
- Specialized Service: Integrating basic low-vision care into your daily clinical practice (up to 15% of duties).
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging with medical center committees and participating in quality improvement initiatives.
- Academic Support: Assisting in the training and mentorship of optometry externs.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen (exceptions apply per policy). |
| Licensure | Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state. |
| Education | Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school. |
| Residency | Completed accredited residency or 2 years of clinical experience. |
| English | Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $143,000 and $227,000 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience. The VA also provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial health.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement: Federal 401k matching up to 5% and a defined-benefit pension.
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- CME: Opportunities for paid absence for Continuing Medical Education.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document required for VA applications.
- Be Specific: Detail your clinical experience clearly; avoid generalizations.
- Stay Organized: Ensure all your education and residency completion dates are clearly visible on your resume.
Serving as a VA Optometrist in Kernersville offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to build a legacy of service. If you are dedicated to excellence in eye care and want to contribute to the health of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Optometrist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while directly impacting the lives of those who served—join the VA as an Optometrist in Kernersville, NC.
Optometrist Job Overview
The W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Optometrist to provide high-quality eye care to our nation's Veterans. Based in Kernersville, North Carolina, this role involves delivering comprehensive vision services in an outpatient setting, with a unique focus on low-vision care and clinical excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system.
Requirements for Optometrist
- United States Citizenship (exceptions only in strict accordance with VA policy).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Degree of Doctor of Optometry from an accredited school or college approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a US State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an approved residency training program or two years of licensed clinical practice in the management of medically complex patients.
- Successful passing of a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist
- Experience in diagnosing and treating multi-symptomatic, seriously ill patients.
- Expertise in clinical peer review and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
- Experience in academic settings or optometry externship training.
- Prior participation in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary with performance-based bonus potential.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Up to 55 days of paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- ✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years).
- ✓Federal 401k plan with agency matching contributions up to 5%.
- ✓Continuing Medical Education (CME) support.
💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Upload your resume, C.V., and supporting credentials to the application portal.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your C.V. clearly lists start and end dates for all education and residency programs.
- Use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
- Clearly articulate your experience with complex patients, as the hiring team does not make assumptions.
- Check your application status regularly through the USAJOBS portal dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Optometrist position?
The position focuses on comprehensive outpatient eye care at the Kernersville VA clinic, including clinical vision exams, disease management, and a specialized component involving low-vision care.
Is there flexibility in the work schedule?
Yes, the role is a full-time, Monday-Friday position (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) with potential for a semi-compressed schedule.
What are the residency requirements?
Applicants must have completed an ACOE-accredited residency program or possess two years of active, licensed clinical experience managing medically complex patients.
Are there opportunities for academic involvement?
Yes, the position involves assisting in the development and implementation of training programs for optometry externs.
What is the primary work location?
The position is based at the VA Clinic in Kernersville, NC, serving the greater Salisbury VA Healthcare System.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to provide the best possible care to our Veterans. Our core values, known as 'I CARE' (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence), guide every interaction within our facilities. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, you will work in an environment that prioritizes evidence-based practice and compassionate, whole-person health care.