Become a Clinical Optometrist at Womack Army Medical Center
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently inviting qualified medical professionals to apply for the position of Optometrist (Clinical) at the Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve those who serve our country by providing advanced optometric care within a premier military medical facility. If you are passionate about ocular health, therapeutic treatment, and patient-centered care, this role is a perfect fit.
Job Responsibilities
As an Optometrist, your duties are diverse and clinically challenging. You will serve as a primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive examinations for patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Key responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing and treating visual anomalies and ocular diseases.
- Managing pre- and post-operative care for refractive surgery patients.
- Utilizing advanced instrumentation for therapeutic treatment.
- Providing consultation services for occupational health.
- Mentoring optometric interns and students.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Education | Doctor of Optometry from an ACOE-accredited program |
| Certification | Passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) |
| Licensure | Current, full, and unrestricted state license |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized professional experience or residency |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a highly competitive salary range of $127,884 to $166,253 annually, commensurate with experience and location adjustments. Beyond the salary, employees receive industry-leading benefits, including:
- Eligibility for recruitment and relocation incentives.
- Federal retirement options (TSP).
- Potential student loan repayment.
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
Application Tips
Submit a precise, two-page resume that outlines your clinical experience and hours worked per week. Ensure all educational transcripts and licensure documents are uploaded in full. Because this is a competitive federal role, verify your application package in the USAJOBS portal before the final deadline of November 3, 2026.
Serving as an Optometrist with the DHA at Fort Bragg is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the readiness of our armed forces. With exceptional benefits and a dynamic clinical environment, this role provides a rewarding path for any experienced optometrist.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Elevate your clinical career as an Optometrist with the Defense Health Agency at Womack Army Medical Center, providing high-impact vision care to our nation's service members.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Optometrist to join the Optometry Service team at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This clinical role focuses on primary eye care, including therapeutic treatment, medical contact lens specialization, and comprehensive management of pre- and post-operative refractive surgery patients. You will work in a high-readiness environment, performing diagnostic exams and providing expert consultation for occupational health.
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 license to practice optometry in any State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- One year of professional experience or completion of an accredited residency program.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Expertise in therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
- Experience in pre- and post-operative refractive surgery management.
- Proficiency in clinical supervision and teaching of optometric students or technicians.
- Experience with specialized contact lens fitting and complex ocular disease management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Possible student loan repayment assistance
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and insurance benefits
- ✓Retirement planning programs including TSP
- ✓Stable work-life balance in a scenic, culturally rich region
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the application.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Submit copies of your official optometry transcripts.
- Provide a copy of your current, active, and unrestricted state license.
- Submit your final package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your relevant work experience with hours worked per week.
- Keep your resume to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Review your document uploads to ensure they have cleared the virus scan before the deadline.
- Use clear language; avoid internal acronyms or jargon that a recruiter might not understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through professional experience or residency completion alone.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, though a drug test is required.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Are there any language requirements?
You must use clear, plain language in your application documentation.
Is relocation assistance available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is the primary healthcare delivery arm of the Military Health System. Operating a global network of over 400 hospitals and clinics, the DHA provides integrated, high-quality healthcare to military service members, retirees, and their families. Working at Womack Army Medical Center means being part of an "All-American City" atmosphere where clinical excellence meets community spirit.