Providing Specialized Eye Care: Optometrist Opportunities at the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Optometrist to join the esteemed medical team at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. This position is a vital component of the military health system, ensuring that service members, retirees, and their families receive top-tier vision care. If you are a professional looking to blend clinical excellence with a sense of national service, this is a unique opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an Optometrist at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, you will function as a primary eye care provider. Your core responsibilities will include:
- Diagnostics and Treatment: Perform thorough eye examinations to diagnose and treat visual anomalies and specific pathologies of the eye and ocular adnexa.
- Consultative Care: Provide specialized vision consultation services to medical staff to support integrated patient care.
- Independent Management: Utilize therapeutic drugs to treat minor ocular pathology within your scope of practice.
- Equipment Management: Oversee the operational readiness and maintenance of ophthalmic diagnostic tools.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 equivalent position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience in examining and treating patients, or completion of an accredited one-year residency.
- Documentation: All applicants must provide transcripts and proof of licensure to be considered.
Salary Overview and Benefits
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $123,625 to $160,723 annually, depending on experience and locality adjustments. This role offers the security and benefits associated with federal employment, including comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $123,625 - $160,723 |
| Location | El Paso, Texas |
| Agency | Defense Health Agency |
| Job Series | 0662 |
Application Tips
Your application packet is the first impression you make. Follow these tips to ensure success:
- Strict Length Limits: Keep your resume to two pages exactly. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Clarity is Key: Avoid jargon and obscure acronyms. Describe your duties in plain language.
- Verification: Always double-check that your license and transcripts are attached. Failure to include these results in an automatic 'ineligible' rating.
Serving as an Optometrist for the DHA in El Paso is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health of the military community. With a competitive salary, professional autonomy, and a clear mission, it is an excellent career move for any qualified optometrist.
Why This Optometrist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency as an Optometrist and provide world-class eye care for those who serve our nation at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
Optometrist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Optometrist to join the team at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive eye and vision services, including diagnosing and treating ocular conditions, to a patient population consisting of service members, retirees, and their families. This role plays a critical part in the medical readiness of our Joint Force.
Requirements for Optometrist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program
- Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice optometry
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience or completion of an accredited residency program
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist
- Proven experience in diagnosing and treating visual anomalies and ocular pathologies
- Ability to manage minor pathology of the eye using therapeutic drugs
- Strong consultative skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary including locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Stable work-life environment within the DoD health system
- ✓Opportunities to contribute to military mission readiness
💡 How to Apply Optometrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant work experience and hours worked.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and a copy of your current, unrestricted license.
- Verify your application is complete and submit before the November 11, 2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will not be reviewed.
- Explicitly detail your specialized experience, including employer names, dates of employment, and average hours worked per week.
- Submit all required licenses and educational transcripts upfront to avoid being rated ineligible.
- Allow extra time for your documents to clear the mandatory virus scan process before the submission deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational requirement for this role?
You must hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).
Is a security clearance required?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive; however, successful candidates must undergo a suitability/fitness determination.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
What is the work schedule like?
As a clinical role within the DHA, you will work primarily in a high-demand hospital setting, supporting active duty and beneficiary care.
Are there relocation benefits?
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system tasked with delivering high-quality medical services across the Department of Defense. By supporting the Joint Force and maintaining the health of 9.5 million beneficiaries, the DHA stands as a pillar of medical readiness. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that transcends private practice, focusing on the health and resilience of those who protect the nation.