Launch Your Career in Optometry with the Defense Health Agency
Are you an experienced optometric technician looking to apply your skills in a mission-driven environment? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring for a Health Technician (Optometry) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Branch Health Clinic in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position provides a unique opportunity to serve those who serve our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your primary role will be to assist optometrists in providing high-quality eye care. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Screenings: Performing preliminary eye examinations and documenting medical history.
- Clinical Support: Operating advanced ophthalmic equipment to assist in diagnostics.
- Optical Logistics: Preparing and verifying orders for spectacles and contact lenses using a lensometer.
- Administrative Duties: Maintaining patient records and managing clinic workflows to ensure efficient care delivery.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Licensure: You must hold a valid, job-related license or certification in the field.
- Education: Graduate-level education in optometry may be substituted for part of the experience requirement.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized clinical work |
| Education | Min. 9 Semester hours of graduate optometry study |
| Certification | Current/Valid License required |
| Clearance | Secret clearance required |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $46,084 to $59,908 per year. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance coverage.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Federal Holidays.
- Federal Retirement system with TSP matching.
- Student loan repayment potential for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less.
- Documentation: Do not forget to attach your professional license and, if applicable, your graduate transcripts.
- Clarity: Use plain language to describe your past clinical tasks and responsibilities.
If you are ready to pivot into a stable, impactful role, the DHA is the place to be. Apply today to bring your technical expertise to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Why This Health Technician (Optometry) Job Matters
Launch your career in federal healthcare by joining the Defense Health Agency team at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where your precision and expertise in optometry will directly support the readiness of our military personnel.
Health Technician (Optometry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled Health Technician (Optometry) to provide vital vision support services at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Branch Health Clinic in Portsmouth, Virginia. In this role, you will play a critical part in an ambulatory care environment, assisting optometrists with patient screenings, diagnostic testing, and the management of vision care supplies. This position offers a stable 0700-1530 schedule and is open to the public, providing an excellent entry point for professionals dedicated to high-quality patient care in a military medical setting.
Requirements for Health Technician (Optometry)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in federal service.
- Experience must include patient screening for visual acuity, lens neutralization, and preparation of optical orders.
- Must be familiar with ophthalmic equipment and clinical procedures.
- Possession of a valid job-related license or certification in optometry/ophthalmic technology.
- Ability to pass a Secret security clearance background investigation.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period upon selection.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Optometry)
- Experience in an ambulatory or primary care medical setting.
- Proficiency in clinical history taking and medical record management.
- Strong organizational skills for managing spectacle orders and inventory.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills for interacting with service members and families.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance eligibility for qualified applicants.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Optometry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Optometry) Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly detailing your relevant work experience and dates of employment.
- Gather your required supporting documentation, including your professional license/certification and transcripts if substituting education for experience.
- Log into the application portal through the USAJOBS link.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload your resume and all necessary supporting documents before the closing date.
- Submit your application and monitor the status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded from consideration.
- Clearly outline your hours worked per week for each job entry to help hiring officials verify your experience level.
- Avoid using technical jargon or acronyms that a layperson might not understand.
- Ensure your license or certification is current and attached, as missing documentation will disqualify you immediately.
- Submit your application at least 24 hours before the deadline to allow time for system virus scans and any technical troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 0700 to 1530.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
Yes, you may qualify with nine semester hours of graduate-level education in optometry or a related field, or a combination of education and experience.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as noncritical-sensitive.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, PCS costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Is this a remote role?
No, this position is onsite at the Portsmouth clinic.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force. Working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Branch Health Clinic, you will be part of a team dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care, urgent care, and specialized optometry services to thousands of military personnel and their families.