Optometrist

Optometrist

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a full-time Optometrist to join the team at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. This position provides optometric care to Veterans, including eye examinations, diagnosis and treatment of vision system conditions, prescription and adaptation of lenses and optical aids, care coordination, patient education, and documentation in the electronic medical record.

Location: Poplar Bluff, MO

Vacancies: 1

Salary: $125,000 - $150,000 per year

Salary Note: Final compensable salary, including base pay and market pay, will be determined through a formal pay-setting process based on qualifications.

Pay Scale & Grade: VM-15

Promotion Potential: 15

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Appointment Type: Permanent

Telework: Not available

Remote: Not available

Travel Required: Not required

Drug Test: Required

Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed

Key Responsibilities:

• Examine, diagnose, and provide optometric treatment for conditions of the vision system.
• Use independent professional judgment to diagnose complex optometric conditions and develop treatment plans.
• Use examination techniques for vision, eyes, and related structures to identify vision anomalies, disease, and other abnormalities.
• Prescribe and adapt spectacle lenses, optical aids, and related treatment options.
• Refer patients to other health professionals for further diagnosis and treatment when appropriate.
• Document and maintain patient records in the electronic medical record.
• Enter and sign orders for inpatient and outpatient care.
• Document progress notes and consultation findings.
• Provide emotional support and comfort to patients and families during treatment interventions.
• Manage patient workload within available staffing, including support from health technicians when applicable.
• Coordinate care with VA tertiary care facilities and VA sharing partners.
• Perform other directly related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must be subject to a background/security investigation.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Drug testing is required for this position.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete all application requirements and online onboarding requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel.
• Selected applicant must serve a two-year probationary period.

Education and Licensure Requirements:

• Must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from a school or college of optometry approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year the course of study was completed.
• Approved schools include U.S. and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
• Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Must maintain current registration in the state of licensure if required by that state.
• Must have successfully completed VA-approved residency training in an accredited post-graduate optometry program, or have comparable experience.
• Comparable experience may include two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States with active involvement in managing medically complex patients.

Preferred Experience:

• Three years of experience at a VA facility or in private practice is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicant must participate in a pre-employment evaluation as part of the pre-employment process.
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed during the evaluation or examination.

Benefits and Incentives:

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus eligibility and regular salary increases.
• 50 to 55 days of paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k)-style savings plan with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance options.
• One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory is accepted for VA practice.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Continuing medical education reimbursement may be available.
• Loan repayment opportunities may be available.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET

This position is open to all qualified candidates, including U.S. Citizens and eligible Veterans. This is an open continuous announcement, and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until July 31, 2026 or until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a resume or CV and all required documentation through USAJOBS by the closing date.

Government Jobs

Show more