Advance Your Optometry Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Optometrist to join the team at the historic William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) in El Paso, Texas. This role offers not just a career, but an opportunity to serve those who protect our nation while working in a collaborative, innovative clinical environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, your primary objective is to provide high-quality vision care to a diverse patient population. Key responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing and treating visual anomalies.
- Managing ocular pathologies and diseases within the optometric scope of practice.
- Using therapeutic drugs to treat minor pathology of the eye.
- Providing expert vision consultations to the medical staff.
- Ensuring all ophthalmic equipment remains in peak condition.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet specific education and licensure requirements:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State, DC, or territory.
- Examination: A passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).
- Experience: One year of specialized experience (GS-11 equivalent) or one year of an accredited residency program.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 – $116,362 |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
| Location | El Paso, Texas |
| Relocation/Recruitment | May be authorized |
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Keep your resume to two pages or less and ensure it explicitly outlines your professional work history, including hours worked per week. Always double-check that your license and educational transcripts are attached, as missing documents will result in an automatic disqualification.
Joining the DHA in El Paso is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. With 302 days of sunshine per year and a community rich in culture, this is an ideal location for both your professional and personal life. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Elevate your optometry career in the Sun City: Join the Defense Health Agency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and provide vital vision care to those who serve.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and skilled Optometrist (Clinical) to join our team at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. In this role, you will provide comprehensive optometric care, diagnose and treat ocular pathologies, and act as a key consultant for medical staff within our state-of-the-art clinical environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the readiness of our military personnel while enjoying the vibrant culture, outdoor beauty, and sunshine of El Paso.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- 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 license to practice optometry in a State, DC, or U.S. territory.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent) in diagnosing and treating visual disorders, OR successful completion of an accredited one-year residency program.
- Completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Experience managing minor ocular pathologies using therapeutic pharmaceuticals.
- Demonstrated ability to consult with multidisciplinary medical teams.
- Proficiency in maintaining and utilizing specialized ophthalmic equipment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential for salary negotiation for new federal employees.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
- ✓Career development and stability within the Department of Defense.
- ✓Credentialing support in a Level III-certified trauma center environment.
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant experience and hours worked.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload your Doctor of Optometry transcripts and your current, active, and unrestricted license.
- Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on October 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month and year) and total hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff.
- Double-check that all required documents, especially your license and transcripts, are clear and attached.
- Keep a close watch on your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
- Submit early to account for potential technical issues or document scanning delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive (NS)/low risk, so a security clearance is not required.
Can I negotiate my starting salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to Federal service.
What is the work schedule like?
This position is classified as 'Mission Essential,' meaning the incumbent may be required to work during emergencies, natural disasters, or contingency operations.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system that serves over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families globally. As a key partner to the Joint Force, the DHA is committed to improving health and building readiness anytime, anywhere.
William Beaumont Army Medical Center, located in the "Sun City" of El Paso, has served the military community for nearly two centuries. As a Level III-certified trauma center, it provides cutting-edge care to the largest power projection platform in the U.S. Army.