Advance Your Career as a Clinical Optometrist with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is looking for a skilled, compassionate Optometrist to join the team at the Army Health Clinic Kenner in Fort Lee, Virginia. This position represents a unique chance to transition into federal service while providing high-quality eye care to our nation's military personnel, retirees, and their families. If you are passionate about clinical excellence and want to contribute to the medical readiness of the Joint Force, this could be your next career move.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Optometrist, you will manage a full-scope eye care practice. Key duties include:
- Performing comprehensive ocular and systemic health evaluations.
- Diagnosing and treating visual disorders and ocular diseases.
- Prescribing topical and systemic medications as necessary.
- Ordering laboratory tests and imaging to assist in patient management.
- Maintaining detailed patient records and participating in performance improvement programs.
- Conducting work site inspections for the occupational vision program.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Hold a current, unrestricted state license.
- Have passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.
- Provide proof of one year of specialized clinical experience or completion of a residency program.
Salary and Benefits
This position is classified under the GS-12 pay scale, offering a highly competitive salary range.
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Annual Salary | $125,453 |
| Maximum Annual Salary | $163,092 |
In addition to the base salary, employees benefit from the robust federal employment package, which includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement contributions, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in automatic disqualification.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript and professional license are uploaded clearly. Missing documents are the most common reason for an 'ineligible' rating.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid industry jargon that a human resources specialist may not recognize. Clearly describe your hours worked and specific duties performed.
This Optometrist role at Fort Lee is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health of those who protect our nation. With competitive pay and a supportive clinical environment, it is an excellent opportunity for any licensed optometrist to make a lasting difference. Prepare your application materials carefully and apply before the October 29 deadline to be considered.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Advance your clinical career by providing high-quality primary eye care to those who serve. Join the Defense Health Agency at Fort Lee, Virginia, and make a tangible impact on the vision and health of our military community.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
The Army Health Clinic Kenner is seeking a dedicated Optometrist (Clinical) to provide comprehensive eye care services. This role offers the opportunity to practice full-scope optometry, including ocular and systemic health evaluations, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic treatment. You will be a vital member of a professional healthcare team committed to readiness and excellence within the Department of Defense.
Requirements for Optometrist (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship
- 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 a U.S. State, DC, Puerto Rico, or territory
- One year of specialized experience in examining and treating patients with visual disorders or diseases, or completion of an accredited residency program
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for applicable males
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Proven experience in full-scope optometry including systemic health evaluations
- Experience with electronic health record documentation and clinical reporting
- Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary medical teams for complex patient cases
- Familiarity with occupational vision program requirements
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Paid time off and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Defense
- ✓Stable work environment serving the military community
💡 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 two pages or less, highlighting specialized experience and including required work details (dates, hours, duties).
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and current state license.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submit before the 10/29/2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your previous roles.
- Ensure your license and education transcripts are clearly uploaded; failure to include these will result in an ineligible rating.
- Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
- Upload documents well in advance of the deadline to allow time for the system's virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is onsite at the Army Health Clinic Kenner in Fort Lee, Virginia, and is not eligible for telework.
What is the maximum page count for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Are there residency requirements for this role?
You must possess either one year of specialized experience as an optometrist or have completed a one-year accredited residency program.
What is the application deadline?
The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on October 29, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is non-sensitive/low risk.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a mission-driven organization responsible for the delivery of healthcare services across the Department of Defense. With over 9.5 million beneficiaries, the agency is committed to improving health outcomes and building readiness. By joining the team at Kenner Army Health Clinic, you become part of a global network of medical professionals dedicated to providing world-class care anytime, anywhere.