Health Technician (Optometry) - Serve Your Country While Advancing Your Career

The Department of Defense is offering a unique and rewarding career opportunity for a skilled Health Technician (Optometry) at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. This direct-hire position is open to the public and presents a chance to contribute significantly to the healthcare services provided by the Defense Health Agency (DHA). If you have a passion for vision care and a desire to serve, this role offers a stable career path with comprehensive benefits within a leading federal healthcare system. This article will delve into the specifics of the role, outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and application process to help you prepare a strong candidacy.

About the Agency: Defense Health Agency (DHA)

The Defense Health Agency is the U.S. Department of Defense's combat support agency, responsible for delivering healthcare services to more than 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. As an integrated health care system, the DHA ensures medical readiness for the Joint Force and provides a robust healthcare delivery system. The agency is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to the mission of improving health and building readiness. Working with the DHA means being part of a vital organization that supports national security and the well-being of military communities, ensuring that healthcare is delivered Anytime, Anywhere—Always.

Job Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a Health Technician (Optometry)

As a Health Technician (Optometry) at Ellsworth Air Force Base, your daily tasks will be integral to the optometry clinic's operations and patient care. Key responsibilities include:

• Patient Education: You will be responsible for educating aviators and other patients on current approved soft contact lens options and solutions, ensuring they understand proper usage and care.
• Medical Record Review: A crucial part of the role involves reviewing medical records to track previous visual acuity assessments and updating patients' visual status.
• Specialized Vision Testing: You will conduct various vision tests tailored to meet the specific visual needs and demands for Flying Class, occupational, and special aircrew vision positions. This includes tests for color and depth perception.
• Patient Counseling: Provide guidance and counseling to patients regarding optometry policies and procedures, as outlined in applicable military instructions.
• Injury Assistance: Perform duties related to eye injuries, such as eye patching and irrigation, under the direction of a qualified optometrist.
• Equipment Maintenance: Conduct routine user maintenance on clinic equipment, following manufacturer recommendations and warranty guidelines to ensure optimal functionality.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this Health Technician (Optometry) position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience is required. This experience should involve operating optometry equipment, screening patients for common ophthalmic emergencies, and conducting various vision tests (e.g., color, depth perception). This level of experience is typically gained at the GS-05 grade in the federal service.
• Education (Alternative): Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a minimum of nine semester hours of graduate-level education in a field directly related to optometry, such as Optometry, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and specialized experience can also be used to meet the qualification requirements, provided the computed percentage equals at least 100%.

Vision Requirements:

• Must possess vision in both eyes corrected to at least 20/30.
• Must not have a detectable central scotoma in either eye.

Resume and Documentation:

• Your resume must be two pages or less and clearly describe your relevant experience. Failure to do so may result in your application being considered incomplete.
• Transcripts are required if you are qualifying based on education.
• Foreign education credentials must be evaluated by a U.S. credential evaluation service.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not mandatory, candidates with the following are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Current certification as an ophthalmic assistant or higher level from a recognized national optometric association (such as the American Optometric Association (AOA), the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), or the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO)).

Salary Overview

The Health Technician (Optometry) position is a GS-06 level role. The annual salary ranges from $45,409 to $59,031, dependent upon experience and locality pay adjustments. This salary reflects the value placed on specialized skills and dedication within the federal healthcare system.

Benefits: A Comprehensive Package

As a federal employee with the Department of Defense, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and financial security. These benefits typically include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plan options.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit plan, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Other Benefits: May include flexible spending accounts, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance programs.

Application Process: How to Apply

Applying for this position is done online through the USAJOBS portal. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Create/Log In to USAJOBS: If you don't have an account, create one. Then, log in to your account.
2. Access Application: Click the 'Apply' button on the job announcement. You will be directed to the USA Staffing application portal.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the online occupational questionnaire accurately and completely.
4. Submit Resume: Upload your resume, ensuring it is two pages or less and details your relevant qualifications and experience.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Attach all required documents, such as transcripts if applicable. Documents may take time to clear a virus scan.
6. Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness before the closing date.

Application Deadline: November 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Application Tips for Success

To enhance your application and increase your chances of selection, consider these tips:

• Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly address the specialized experience and duties listed in the job announcement. Use keywords from the announcement to describe your skills and accomplishments.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Screened an average of 50 patients per week for common ophthalmic conditions").
• Detail Your Experience: Ensure each work experience entry includes the employer's name, your job title, start and end dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and a clear description of your responsibilities and accomplishments at that level.
• Check Document Requirements: Double-check that you have uploaded all necessary supporting documents, especially transcripts if your education is being used to qualify.
• Be Honest and Accurate: Provide truthful information in both your resume and the online questionnaire. Inflating qualifications can lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $45,409 to $59,031 per year.
Who is eligible to apply for this position?	This position is open to the public, meaning all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
What are the minimum qualifications?	You need one year of specialized experience in optometry support or a related graduate degree, along with specific vision requirements (corrected to 20/30 in each eye without central scotoma).
Is relocation assistance available?	No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?	Required documents include your resume and responses to the online questionnaire. Transcripts are mandatory if qualifying based on education. Other supporting documents may be requested.
How can I check the status of my application?	You can check your application status by logging into your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Is there a probationary period for this position?	Yes, a 1-year probationary period is required, during which your performance and conduct will be evaluated.

The Health Technician (Optometry) position at Ellsworth Air Force Base offers a stable and meaningful career within the Department of Defense. By meeting the specified requirements and submitting a thorough application, you can position yourself for a role that directly supports the health and readiness of our nation's service members. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your optometric support skills in a professional, supportive environment with excellent federal benefits. Don't miss out on the chance to make a difference.