Advance Your Career as a Clinical Optometrist at Fort Campbell
Are you a dedicated eye care professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a motivated Optometrist to join the team at the prestigious Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Fort Campbell, Tennessee. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide exceptional care to our nation's service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Optometrist, your primary focus will be delivering high-quality eye care. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting comprehensive eye examinations, including dilated fundus exams.
- Determining precise glasses prescriptions through accurate manifest refractions.
- Performing cycloplegic refractions for patients with accommodative issues.
- Assessing refractive surgery candidacy.
- Removing ocular foreign bodies and managing anterior segment trauma.
- Collaborating with ophthalmologists on complex cases and managing appropriate referrals.
- Mentoring staff and contributing to clinic efficiency.
Comparison of Clinical Environments
| Feature | Private Practice | Military Hospital (DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Base | General Public | Military, Retirees, Families |
| Infrastructure | Independent | Integrated DoD Network |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive Federal Benefits |
| Mission Focus | Patient Profitability | Readiness and Healthcare Excellence |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet several key criteria:
- Education: A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: One year of professional experience or completion of an accredited residency program.
- Certification: Passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $89,508 to $116,362, depending on experience and qualifications. This salary includes applicable locality pay. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to the federal service.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, which includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous annual leave and sick time.
- Potential for student loan repayment and recruitment incentives.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application is a precise process. To ensure your application is successful, prioritize these steps:
- Respect the Limits: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system will remove longer resumes.
- Document Everything: Ensure your resume includes hours per week, specific dates (Month/Year), and employer contact information.
- Sanitize Sensitive Info: You may remove personal identifiers from supporting documents like marriage certificates or military orders.
- Verify Uploads: Give your documents time to clear the virus scan after uploading.
Working at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital offers a fulfilling career path where you can balance clinical excellence with the honor of serving the military community. Apply today to bring your expertise to a world-class health system.
Why This Optometrist (Clinical) Job Matters
Join the mission at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital—your expertise as an Optometrist directly supports the vision and readiness of our nation's heroes and their families.
Optometrist (Clinical) Job Overview
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Fort Campbell, Tennessee, is seeking a dedicated Clinical Optometrist to join its dynamic healthcare team. In this role, you will perform comprehensive eye care, manage ocular conditions, and play a vital role in the readiness of military personnel. This is a Direct Hire position, and candidates may be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives and student loan repayment options.
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, D.C., or territory
- One year of professional experience in eye examination and treatment or completion of an accredited residency program
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Optometrist (Clinical)
- Experience in managing anterior segment trauma and removing ocular foreign bodies
- Proven history of comanaging complex ocular cases with ophthalmologists
- Familiarity with electronic medical record systems and clinical documentation standards
- Experience in surgical candidacy evaluation for refractive procedures
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- ✓Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs
- ✓Competitive salary with locality pay
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Optometrist (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Optometrist (Clinical) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload your resume (maximum two pages).
- Submit your valid professional license and academic transcripts.
- Attach optional supporting documents such as cover letters or performance appraisals.
- Finalize and submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Clearly define your work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year).
- Use clear, plain language and avoid internal jargon or acronyms.
- Double-check that your license and transcripts are attached, as failure to provide these will result in an ineligible rating.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education substitution allowed for the experience requirement?
No, this specific position requires one year of professional experience or residency training; education alone cannot be substituted for this requirement.
Are recruitment incentives available for this role?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
What is the maximum page limit for the resume?
Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Can I use education to substitute for the one-year experience requirement?
No, this position requires professional experience or residency training; education alone cannot be substituted.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this is a non-sensitive/low-risk position.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force. Working at a Military Treatment Facility like Blanchfield means you are part of a massive, collaborative network dedicated to healthcare excellence across the Department of Defense. Your work directly contributes to the wellness and mission readiness of millions.