Clinical Optometry Careers with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a committed and licensed Optometrist to serve at the Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. This position is a unique, part-time opportunity to provide essential diagnostic and clinical eye care within a military healthcare facility. If you are passionate about patient care and looking to contribute to the readiness of our armed forces, this role provides an excellent path to federal service.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, the incumbent will handle a variety of clinical duties including:
- Diagnosing, managing, and treating a full spectrum of ocular diseases and visual anomalies.
- Serving as a Vision Conservation Officer to oversee eye protection and injury prevention for workers.
- Maintaining and requesting modern ophthalmic equipment.
- Acting as the Chief of Optometry in the absence of the primary supervisor.
- Documenting clinical findings accurately in patient records.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution. Candidates must also possess a current, unrestricted license to practice and have passed the NBEO exams. Qualification is strictly based on professional experience or an accredited residency program.
Comparison: General Optometry vs. Federal Optometry
| Feature | General Private Practice | Federal Clinical Optometry |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | General Public | Military, Retirees, Families |
| Scheduling | Typically High Volume | Controlled/Clinical Focus |
| Mission | Business/Patient Care | Mission Readiness/Care |
| Benefits | Varies by Practice | Federal Benefits Package |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $94,654 to $123,052 per year. Salary placement is determined based on qualifications and experience, with opportunities for negotiation for candidates new to the federal sector.
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement planning, and professional growth opportunities within the Department of Defense system. Recruitment incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is concise—exactly two pages or less. Use clear, plain language to describe your clinical experience, and be sure to include the number of hours worked per week in each previous role to confirm you meet the 16-hour-per-week equivalent standard for this position.
Serving as an Optometrist at Martin Army Community Hospital offers a fulfilling blend of high-level clinical work and service to our nation's defenders. We encourage all qualified, licensed optometrists to apply through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Provide exceptional eye care for those who serve: Join the Defense Health Agency as a part-time Clinical Optometrist at Fort Benning.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and skilled Optometrist to join the Department of Medicine at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. This part-time position (16 hours per week) offers a unique opportunity to provide essential clinical eye care, manage ocular pathology, and support the vision health of military personnel and their families. As part of a premier healthcare system, you will play a vital role in clinical readiness and patient wellness.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice optometry.
- At least one year of professional experience as an optometrist or completion of an accredited one-year residency program.
- Ability to perform diagnostic, management, and treatment duties for ocular diseases and visual disorders.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Proven experience in managing ocular pathology and injuries within a clinical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to serve in a leadership or oversight capacity within an optometry clinic.
- Familiarity with military healthcare systems and Vision Conservation Programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare, retirement, and insurance options.
- ✓Opportunity to serve military members and their families in a clinical setting.
- ✓Supportive and collaborative clinical environment.
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing specific hours worked per week and relevant clinical experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire provided in the job portal.
- Upload required documentation, including your professional license and any optional performance appraisals.
- Review your application package for completeness and ensure it is submitted by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Explicitly detail your specialized experience, including dates, hours worked, and specific clinical tasks performed.
- Do not use acronyms; ensure your descriptions are clear to a hiring manager unfamiliar with your specific past facilities.
- Verify that your license or certification is attached, as the application will be marked incomplete without it.
- Monitor your USAJOBS dashboard to track your application status after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-time position?
No, this is a part-time position requiring 16 hours of work per week.
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience or residency alone; education substitution is not permitted.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the security level for this job?
The position is categorized as non-sensitive and low risk.
Is relocation covered?
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this role.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated system of care that delivers medical services across the Department of Defense. By supporting service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA maintains a high standard of medical readiness. Working here means joining a dedicated team of healthcare professionals focused on providing "Anytime, Anywhere-Always" medical care.