Job Description
Staff Optometrist-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive-EDRP Approved-Open Continuous is listed by West Texas VA Health Care System. The West Texas VA Health Care System is seeking a Staff Optometrist to provide complete patient care at the George H. O'Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas.
This full-time permanent position focuses on ocular disease management within the scope of optometry. The role includes direct patient care, collaboration with the optometry team, and participation in clinical education and performance improvement activities.
This open continuous announcement accepts applications until July 22, 2027, with referrals beginning August 6, 2026. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment over one to five years. Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis. U.S.
Citizens are encouraged to apply; non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are not available.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $130,000 per year.
Qualification
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens (non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens are not available). A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited school is required, along with a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry.
Completion of an ACOE-approved residency or two years of licensed clinical optometric practice involving medically complex patients is also required.
- U.S. citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens are not available.
- Doctor of Optometry degree from a school or college approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) at the time of graduation.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
- Successful completion of an ACOE-approved residency training program, OR two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States involving active management of medically complex patients.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Preferred experience: more than two years of optometric practice, professional communication, proficiency with modern eye care techniques and equipment, and experience with low vision and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Applicants pending completion of educational or licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.
- Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized credentialing service and deemed equivalent to U.S. standards.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide complete optometric care, with a focus on ocular disease management.
- Deliver direct patient care for the majority of work time.
- Collaborate with the optometry team, including supporting the Chief Optometrist and senior staff.
- Participate in clinical education of medical and optometry students.
- Contribute to performance improvement activities within the service.
- Travel occasionally to other sites within the West Texas VA Health Care System as needed.
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records and documentation.
- Adhere to VA policies, including infection control and safety protocols.
Conditions & Requirements
- Subject to urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment.
- Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must pass a background/security investigation.
- Must complete an online onboarding process.
- Must provide acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
- May be required to serve a probationary period.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Benefits
- Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment over one to five years.
- Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.
- Telework available on an ad-hoc basis.
- Access to VA career development programs and resources for veterans.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be reviewed to ensure you meet the qualification and eligibility requirements.
- A formal pay-setting process will determine your salary within the listed range.
- You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer work.
- Pre-employment reference checks may be conducted.
- Referred applicants may be contacted for an interview.
- You will be notified of your status via email after each step.
- You can check your application status anytime by logging into your the official application portal account.
Required Documents
- Resume/CV (no page limit; a standard clinical resume document is also required and must be uploaded in the designated field).
- Cover letter (optional).
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (for veterans' preference).
- Disability Letter (VA) (if applicable).
- License (copy of current optometry license).
- Professional Certification (if applicable).
- Transcript (if using education to qualify).
- SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) with supporting documentation (if applicable).
- SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action (for current/former federal employees).
- Performance Appraisal (optional).
How to Apply
- To apply, go to the official application portal and open the announcement. with your the official application portal/Login.gov account. Complete the online application and the occupational questionnaire. Attach your federal resume and all required documents. Submit your application package before the closing date, July 22, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET. You may opt in to make your resume available to other hiring managers, b…
Additional Information
- This is an open continuous announcement; applications will be referred at regular intervals starting August 6, 2026, until positions are filled.
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
- VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
- If you are unable to apply online, contact the agency contact listed in the announcement for alternate methods.
- Veterans' preference applies; eligible veterans should claim preference in the questionnaire and provide required documentation.
- Former EDRP participants are not eligible for EDRP.
- The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this position.
- All HCP must receive annual influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption; face masks required if exempted.
- The health-related positions are covered by Title 38 and are not covered by Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
About Company
The West Texas VA Health Care System provides complete healthcare services to veterans across West Texas. It operates the George H. O'Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas, along with multiple community-based outpatient clinics.
The system is part of the Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.