Advance Your Career as a Clinical Optometrist at Fort Jackson
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Clinical Optometrist to join the Army Health Clinic Moncrief at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This position is a cornerstone of the military health system, ensuring that service members and their families receive premier vision care. If you are looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with service to those who defend our nation, this opportunity is for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Optometrist, your duties are multifaceted and essential to mission readiness. You will:
- Conduct comprehensive and limited eye examinations for a diverse patient population.
- Diagnose and manage ocular diseases and visual disorders.
- Prescribe therapeutic medications for minor eye pathology.
- Serve as a Vision Conservation Officer to maintain ocular health standards.
- Teach and mentor optometric interns in a clinical setting.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet strict federal qualifications:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice.
- Certification: Passing scores on National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.
- Experience: One year of professional clinical experience or completion of an accredited residency.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range designed to attract top-tier professionals. Below is a breakdown of the compensation structure:
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $122,861 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $159,722 |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package. While specific details can be found on the USAJOBS portal, common benefits include:
- Competitive salary with locality pay adjustments.
- Potential recruitment or relocation incentives.
- Federal medical and dental insurance options.
- Retirement and pension planning.
Application Tips
- Watch Your Length: The system will automatically remove resumes exceeding two pages.
- Be Specific: Quantify your work history and ensure you explicitly describe your experience with patient examinations and medication prescribing.
- Sanitize Sensitive Data: If submitting military or personal documentation, ensure you remove sensitive information while keeping the documents clear for HR review.
Serving as an Optometrist at the Army Health Clinic Moncrief is more than a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. With a competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a clear mission, this role is an ideal step for any clinical optometrist looking to make a meaningful impact. Apply today and join the team at Fort Jackson.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Elevate your optometry career by providing world-class vision care to the soldiers and families who serve our nation at Fort Jackson.
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 pivotal role, you will diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of ocular diseases, manage complex visual conditions, and serve as a vital Vision Conservation Officer. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality, mission-critical healthcare within a supportive, integrated military medical environment.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
- Passing score on all National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
- One year of specialized professional experience or one year of an accredited residency program.
- Ability to pass a drug test.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing and managing ocular pathology.
- Experience in clinical instruction and mentoring of optometric interns.
- Familiarity with military Vision Conservation Programs.
- Strong communication skills for patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Supportive and collaborative clinical environment.
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Ensure your resume details job titles, dates of employment, hours worked, and specific duties.
- Upload required documents, including professional license and transcripts.
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in diagnosing and treating ocular diseases.
- Verify that your license is active and your transcripts are ready before starting the application.
- Submit your documents early to allow time for the automated virus scan process.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid overly technical industry jargon that may not be easily understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is residency experience required?
You must have either one year of professional clinical experience or have completed one year of an accredited residency program.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using documented experience.
Are there relocation incentives available?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to approval.
What is the security clearance level required?
This position is non-sensitive (NS) and does not require a formal security clearance, though a drug test is mandatory.
Are there multiple openings?
The announcement states that multiple positions may be filled from this solicitation.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for the delivery of medical, dental, and pharmacy programs for over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. By joining the team at Fort Jackson, you become a strategic partner in supporting the Joint Force and maintaining the health and readiness of our military personnel.