Optometrist

Veterans Health Administration • Fort Smith, AR

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The staff Optometrist provides optometric services in the Eye Clinic at the Fort Smith, Arkansas, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. The Optometrist works under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Optometry within the Surgical Care Service Line and ensures documentation is complete according to VA guidelines. Progress notes and patient-related orders are entered in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

The role provides comprehensive eye care, follow-up care for existing conditions, and management of emergency conditions. It includes examining the human eye to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the eye or adnexa; prescribing lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, contact lenses, orthotics, vision training, pharmaceutical agents, and prosthetic devices; and referring patients to or consulting with other health care providers. The Optometrist educates patients, residents, students, and medical staff about ocular anomalies, ocular disease, and sight conservation, and may participate in clinical supervision of optometry residents and student externs when available.

This open, continuous announcement may be extended beyond November 30, 2026, until the position is filled. Eligible applicants may be referred at regular intervals or as vacancies occur. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility requirements and program approval. Applications for EDRP must be submitted within four months of appointment; approved reimbursement may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Requirements

• Doctor of Optometry degree from a school or college approved for the year the course of study was completed.
• One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Meet the applicable VA optometrist qualification requirements for the grade assigned. Full Grade requires two years of optometric practice or its equivalent, or one year of approved residency training (or its creditable equivalent) in lieu of two years of practice, along with demonstrated competence to independently provide the full range of clinical optometric diagnosis and treatment.
• Intermediate Grade requires four years of optometric practice or its equivalent, with one year of approved residency training or its creditable equivalent acceptable in lieu of two years of practice; successful completion of National Board of Examiners in Optometry examinations; and the specified professional stature, attainment, or accomplishments.
• Senior Grade requires meeting Intermediate Grade requirements, academic stature warranting a professional-level faculty appointment at an approved school or college of optometry, and recognized superior professional attainment.
• Complete the required pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-placement evaluation; applicants selected for testing-designated positions must submit to urinalysis.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an optometry residency program.
• One to three years of experience as a practicing Optometrist.
• Accreditation Council on Optometric Education residency or VA experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive eye care, follow-up care for existing conditions, and management of emergency conditions.
• Examine the human eye to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the eye or adnexa.
• Prescribe lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, contact lenses, orthotics, vision training, pharmaceutical agents, and prosthetic devices to correct, relieve, or treat defects or abnormal conditions of the eye or adnexa.
• Refer patients to and consult with other health care providers.
• Educate patients, residents, students, and medical staff regarding ocular anomalies, ocular disease, and sight conservation.
• Participate in clinical supervision of optometry residents and student externs when available.
• Ensure documentation is complete according to VA guidelines; enter progress notes and patient-related orders in CPRS.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and approval.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and possible five-day paid absence for CME.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time employees with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree