Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Optometrist with the Indian Health Service

If you are an accomplished optometrist looking to blend clinical expertise with leadership, the Indian Health Service (IHS) offers a unique path. As a Supervisory Optometrist, you will play a pivotal role in providing essential eye care to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, while overseeing the operations of a busy clinical department.

Job Responsibilities

In this supervisory capacity, you will perform a dual role:

Clinical Care: Conduct comprehensive eye exams, diagnose visual and ocular impairments, and treat ophthalmic pathology.
Operational Leadership: Manage the optometry department, provide guidance to staff and health technicians, and ensure quality assurance standards are met.
Collaboration: Coordinate medical eye care with other physicians and oversee administrative tasks like budget management and policy formulation.

Requirements

Candidates must meet stringent educational and professional standards, including:

Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited program.
Valid, unrestricted licensure.
Successful completion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams.
Federal background investigation suitability.

Salary Overview and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the high level of responsibility.

Pay Detail	Information
Salary Range	$170,030 - $221,041 per year
Pay Scale	GS-13
Benefits	Comprehensive Insurance, Retirement, and Leave

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, focus your resume on the first two pages. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are instructed to review only the first two pages for specialized experience. Ensure you clearly outline your leadership and clinical achievements.

Join a mission-driven organization where your clinical skills make a tangible difference. Apply to the IHS today.

Why This Supervisory Optometrist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on Native American health outcomes as a Supervisory Optometrist with the Indian Health Service.

Supervisory Optometrist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Optometrist to lead clinical operations and deliver high-quality eye care services. This role is essential for advancing ocular health across diverse communities, managing interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that patients receive exceptional diagnostic and treatment services. You will function as both a clinical provider and an operational leader, shaping policies and standards of care.

Requirements for Supervisory Optometrist

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 State, DC, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Optometrist

Proven experience in clinical supervision and staff leadership.
Background in quality assurance activities within a healthcare setting.
Strong understanding of budget management and policy development for clinical departments.
Expertise in diagnosing and treating ophthalmic trauma and pathology.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Annual leave accrual based on federal service
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Access to student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC/HRSA)
✓Comprehensive federal insurance and retirement benefits

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Optometrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Optometrist Job

Create or sign in to your account at Login.gov.
Upload a resume that clearly details specialized experience and education.
Complete the eligibility questionnaire and all required application steps via the USA Staffing portal.
Submit all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts and licensure records.
Ensure your submission is confirmed before the application window closes.

💡 General Tips

SMEs will only review the first two pages of your resume; focus your most relevant experience there.
Clearly state hours worked per week for all positions held to establish your experience level.
Ensure your transcript includes credit hours, course titles, and grades.
Do not wait until the final hour to submit, as technical issues may occur.
If claiming Indian Preference or Veterans Preference, ensure all supporting forms (BIA-4432/DD214) are attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there student loan repayment opportunities?

Yes, opportunities exist through the IHS, NHSC, and HRSA loan repayment programs, which are competitive processes based on agency priority and funding.

Is relocation assistance available?

Recruitment, relocation incentives, or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized depending on availability and service unit approval.

Is this role eligible for telework?

No, this position requires in-person clinical presence.

What is the background check process?

You must complete all required forms within five days of notification to avoid processing delays.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is an innovative federal healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health outcomes of over 2 million Native Americans. Working here is more than just a job; it is a commitment to service, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community health.