Advance Your Career as an Optometrist with the Veterans Affairs

Are you a dedicated Optometrist looking for a role that combines clinical excellence with a higher purpose? The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, is actively seeking a passionate professional to join our Optometry Service. This position is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive eye care to Veterans while enjoying the stability and benefits of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

The Optometrist position is dynamic and multifaceted. Whether serving as a Staff Optometrist or an Attending Optometrist, your primary mission is the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Clinical Care: Diagnose and manage complex ocular diseases, perform routine comprehensive exams, and handle emergency consultations.
Multidisciplinary Coordination: Work alongside other medical professionals to develop holistic patient treatment plans.
Administrative Duties: Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and service-wide program development.
Academic Oversight: For Attending roles, provide clinical supervision and mentorship to residents, fellows, and optometry externs.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet rigorous standards:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education	Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
Licensure	Current, full, unrestricted license in any U.S. State or territory.
Experience	Completion of an approved residency or two years of relevant clinical practice.
Proficiency	Must be able to speak and write English effectively.

Salary and Benefits

VA professionals are compensated with highly competitive packages. With a salary range between $124,308 and $335,000 per year, this role also includes:

EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Time Off: Over 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching programs.
Health: Comprehensive federal insurance options.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Be specific about your experience with medically complex patients.
Documentation: Have your license and transcripts ready early.
Questions: Reach out to the agency contact for clarification on EDRP or credentialing.

Becoming a VA Optometrist means more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our country. Apply today to bring your skills to a team that values innovation, compassion, and professional growth.

Why This Optometrist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by delivering expert, compassionate eye care at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center.

Optometrist Job Overview

The Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Optometrist to join our team in Huntington, West Virginia. This role offers the opportunity to provide full-scope, high-quality optometric services in an outpatient setting, ranging from complex disease management to routine care. Candidates will have the chance to serve our nation's Veterans while potentially shaping the future of the profession through the clinical supervision and training of optometry residents and externs.

Requirements for Optometrist

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed under specific conditions).
Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school or college.
Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in any U.S. State or territory.
Successful completion of an ACOE-accredited residency OR two years of licensed clinical optometric practice managing medically complex patients.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Must be able to obtain and maintain required facility credentialing and suitability clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist

Board certification by the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) or the American Board of Optometry (ABO).
Experience in clinical oversight and training of optometry externs and residents.
Faculty appointment at an optometry, medical, or healthcare professional school.
Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Advanced clinical expertise in diagnosing and managing complex ocular conditions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement benefits including a traditional pension and 401(k) with 5% employer matching.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Potential for CME professional development leave.

💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Optometrist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement requirements.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV and all necessary supporting documentation (transcripts, licenses, etc.).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents and submit your application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and specifies your experience in managing complex ocular diseases.
Attach all required documents, including state licenses and academic transcripts, at the time of submission.
If you are a Veteran, ensure you include your DD-214 and any applicable preference documentation.
Verify that your license is current and that you meet all educational accreditation standards.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, which provides loan repayment assistance based on program eligibility and application review.

What is the primary work schedule?

The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position; however, ad-hoc telework may be approved by management.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served our nation. As part of the VA Capitol Health Care Network, the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center serves a broad region spanning West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Our facility is not just a clinical provider; it is an innovative center for medical research and the training of the next generation of healthcare providers.