Become a Leader in Eye Care: Supervisory Optometrist Roles at the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a visionary leader to join their medical team as a Supervisory Optometrist. This critical role offers an opportunity to provide high-quality eye care while overseeing operations and staff in some of the most culturally rich and scenic regions of the American Southwest. If you are a licensed optometrist with a passion for public service, clinical mentorship, and improving healthcare equity, this position could be the catalyst for the next phase of your career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Optometrist, you will manage both the clinical and administrative aspects of your department. Key duties include:

Clinical Excellence: Diagnose visual and ocular problems and treat disorders through prescription and pharmacology.
Leadership: Provide day-to-day supervision to optometry staff, conduct performance reviews, and coordinate staff training.
Operations: Oversee the optical dispensary and manage equipment maintenance.
Collaboration: Partner with physicians across the health center to manage eye disease concurrent with systemic conditions.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Education: Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Licensure: Current, unrestricted state license and successful completion of NBEO exams.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary reflective of the high level of responsibility and clinical expertise required.

Position Level	Salary Range
Supervisory Optometrist	$170,030 - $221,041

Benefits

Beyond the salary, employees receive a robust federal benefits package:

Access to student loan repayment programs.
Government housing assistance.
Generous federal retirement and health insurance options.
Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

To stand out during the review process, ensure your resume is concise. Because the review board focuses on the first two pages, prioritize your most relevant supervisory and clinical achievements early in the document. Double-check all credentials and ensure your license status is clearly listed.

Serving as a Supervisory Optometrist with the Indian Health Service is a rewarding way to apply your clinical skills where they are needed most. If you are ready to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to submit your application by September 24, 2026.

Why This Supervisory Optometrist Job Matters

Elevate your optometry career by leading clinical excellence and patient care within the Indian Health Service, providing vital vision services to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Supervisory Optometrist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Optometrist to lead comprehensive eye care programs at the Hopi Health Center, Northern Navajo Medical Center, or Pinon Health Center. This leadership role combines clinical practice with administrative oversight, allowing you to mentor staff, manage clinical operations, and directly impact the health outcomes of indigenous populations in Arizona and New Mexico. You will be instrumental in diagnosing complex ocular conditions, managing emergency care, and ensuring the highest standards of medical compliance and patient service.

Requirements for Supervisory Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited educational program.
Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
Current, full, and unrestricted state-issued optometry license.
At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
U.S. Citizenship.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Must meet the IHS Employee Immunization Policy requirements.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Optometrist

Demonstrated experience in clinical instruction and supervision of students or residents.
Proven ability to serve as a liaison and advisor for complex patient care and programmatic issues.
Expertise in diagnosing and treating unusual visual disorders via advanced techniques.
Strong proficiency in medical record compliance and healthcare accreditation standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range ($170,030–$221,041)
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives (subject to service agreement)
✓Student loan repayment program opportunities through IHS/NHSC/HRSA
✓Government housing availability
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Optometrist Job

Log in or create a profile at USAJOBS.gov.
Prepare a focused resume highlighting your leadership and clinical achievements (limit SME review to the first 2 pages).
Upload required documentation, including licensure and educational transcripts.
Complete the online eligibility and technical assessment questionnaires.
Review your submission for accuracy before the final deadline of September 24, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume on the first two pages, as subject matter experts will only evaluate that content.
Clearly define your supervisory experience, including hours per week and specific managerial responsibilities.
Ensure all licensure and credentialing documentation is current and easily verifiable.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What locations are available for this position?

The position is available at the Hopi Health Center in Polacca, AZ; the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM; and the Pinon Health Center in Pinon, AZ.

Are there opportunities for loan repayment?

Yes, eligible candidates may apply for competitive loan repayment programs through the IHS, NHSC, or HRSA, depending on agency priorities and funding.

Is a background investigation required?

Yes, successful completion of a federal background investigation is a mandatory condition of employment.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS staff members are part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to providing innovative, comprehensive care. Working with the IHS is more than just a job; it is a commitment to community-oriented service and professional development in an environment that values empathy, problem-solving, and excellence in healthcare delivery.