A Rewarding Career in Vision Care: Staff Optometrist at the Montana VA
Are you a dedicated eye care professional seeking a meaningful career that combines clinical complexity with a high quality of life? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Staff Optometrist at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Montana. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while living in one of the most scenic areas of the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Optometrist, you will play a critical role in the ocular health of our Veterans. Your duties will include:
- Performing independent, routine, and complex eye examinations.
- Prescribing necessary medications and treatments within the scope of optometric practice.
- Managing patient orders including lab, imaging, and specialty referrals through our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
- Providing education and counseling for patients on preventive ocular health.
- Collaborating with the medical team to assist in meeting clinical eye quality indicators.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited school.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: Successful completion of an accredited residency or at least two years of licensed clinical experience with medically complex patients.
- Language: Fluency in written and spoken English.
Salary and Benefits Overview
The VA provides a comprehensive rewards package designed to support the long-term well-being of our clinicians.
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $140,000 - $175,000 per year |
| Paid Leave | 50-55 days total per year (Vacation, Sick, Federal Holidays) |
| Insurance | Health, Vision, Dental, Life, Long-Term Care |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan |
| Professional Development | Up to $1,000 reimbursement for CME |
Living in Helena, Montana
Fort Harrison is located near the state capital, Helena, offering the perfect blend of modern convenience and outdoor adventure. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or winter sports, you are perfectly positioned between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. It is an ideal community to raise a family or simply enjoy a slower, more deliberate pace of life.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly state your experience with medically complex patient management.
- Verify Licensure: Ensure your state license information is clear and current.
- Submit Early: Do not wait until the October 13, 2026, deadline to submit your application to avoid technical delays.
A position with the Montana VA Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you are ready to advance your career in a supportive, high-tech environment while enjoying the beauty of Montana, apply today.
Why This Staff Optometrist Job Matters
Advance your clinical career while enjoying a life of adventure in the heart of Montana's beautiful landscape.
Staff Optometrist Job Overview
The Montana VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Optometrist to join our team at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered vision care to our nation's Veterans in a beautiful setting. You will work within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment that emphasizes professional growth, clinical excellence, and a healthy work-life balance.
Requirements for Staff Optometrist
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school or college approved by the VA.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an accredited residency program or at least two years of licensed clinical optometric practice involving medically complex patients.
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Optometrist
- Minimum of one year of experience in an eye clinic setting.
- Proficiency with ophthalmology diagnostic and imaging technology.
- Experience in fitting, dispensing, and adjusting eyeglasses.
- Certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with potential for annual performance bonuses.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan with employer matching.
- ✓Liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Potential for contract buy-out programs for eligible rural facilities.
- ✓Support for professional development and CME reimbursement.
💡 How to Apply Staff Optometrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Optometrist Job
- Log in or create an account on the federal employment portal.
- Prepare your current resume and professional CV.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on October 13, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with medically complex patients.
- Submit all required documentation, such as your DD214 if claiming Veterans' Preference, well before the closing date.
- Double-check that your license information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Follow all instructions in the job announcement carefully to avoid disqualification due to errors or omissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work-life balance like for this position?
The position follows a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM schedule, allowing for consistent time off to enjoy the Helena, Montana area.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation assistance is not explicitly offered for this specific vacancy, but we encourage candidates to inquire if they have specific questions.
Are there opportunities for loan repayment?
*A: The VHA offers a Contract Buy Out Program (CBOP) for eligible candidates at certain facilities. Contact the program manager for details.*
What is the pre-employment requirement for vaccinations?
*A: All VHA health care personnel are required to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination as a condition of employment.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the country. Our mission is to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional medical care. The Montana VA Health Care System serves as a cornerstone of health services for the state, blending modern medical facilities with a patient-centered approach. Located on 138 picturesque acres near Helena, the facility offers a professional environment that values growth, empathy, and innovation.