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Government Ophthalmology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physician - Ophthalmology

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$400K - $518K/yr

Bemidji is a center for retail, education, medicine and government with a cost of living 17% below the national average. Ophthalmology Core Privileges include the ability to perform history and ...

Bemidji is a center for retail, education, medicine and government with a cost of living 17% below the national average. Ophthalmology Core Privileges include the ability to perform history and ...

$17 - $22.75/hr

ERP International is seeking a full time Ophthalmology Technician to support the Refractive Surgery ... in the government and commercial sectors. We provide comprehensive enterprise information ...

$17 - $22.75/hr

... in the government and commercial sectors. We provide comprehensive enterprise information ... Perform ophthalmic studies including auto refraction, keratometry, tonometry, visual field testing ...

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Government Ophthalmology information

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How much do government ophthalmology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for government ophthalmology in the United States is $22.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of patients and cases are typically encountered in a government ophthalmology position?

In a government ophthalmology role, you can expect to serve a broad patient population, often including underserved communities, seniors, and individuals with limited access to private healthcare. The cases you encounter typically range from routine eye exams and refractive errors to more complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and eye trauma. Government settings often expose ophthalmologists to a higher volume of public health and preventative care initiatives, as well as opportunities to participate in community outreach or vision screening programs. Working in this sector means collaborating closely with primary care providers, nurses, and public health officials to ensure comprehensive patient care. This environment offers unique opportunities to make a positive impact on community eye health while gaining experience managing a wide variety of ocular diseases.

Will ophthalmology be replaced by AI?

Ophthalmology as a medical specialty involves complex patient interactions and surgical procedures that AI cannot fully replicate. While AI tools assist with diagnostics, image analysis, and treatment planning, ophthalmologists are essential for comprehensive care, decision-making, and performing surgeries. The role of ophthalmologists is expected to evolve with technology, but full replacement is unlikely in the near future.

What type of ophthalmologist gets paid the most?

In ophthalmology, retinal specialists and oculoplastic surgeons tend to have the highest salaries due to their specialized skills and procedures. These subspecialists often perform complex surgeries and require additional training, which can lead to higher compensation compared to general ophthalmologists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Ophthalmology position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Government Ophthalmology, a candidate needs a medical degree with specialization in ophthalmology, relevant licensure, and strong clinical diagnostic and surgical skills. Familiarity with government health record systems, public sector protocols, and standardized ophthalmic equipment is essential. Excellent communication, patient education, and teamwork skills help foster effective interactions with diverse populations and multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering quality eye care in public health settings and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Is there a demand for ophthalmologists?

Ophthalmologists are in high demand due to an aging population and increasing prevalence of eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and specialized practices, often requiring board certification and surgical skills. Overall, the demand for ophthalmologists remains steady and is expected to grow in the coming years.

Where do ophthalmologists make the most money?

Ophthalmologists tend to earn the highest salaries in metropolitan areas with high living costs and large healthcare markets, such as major cities in the United States. Factors like specialization, experience, and practice setting also influence income levels, with those working in private practices or specialized surgical centers generally earning more. Geographic location and demand for specialized eye care significantly impact earning potential for ophthalmologists.

What is a Government Ophthalmology job?

A Government Ophthalmology job involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing eye diseases in patients within a government-run healthcare setting. Ophthalmologists in government hospitals or public health programs provide eye care services, conduct surgeries, and manage vision-related public health initiatives. These roles often come with job stability, structured working hours, and access to government resources for medical practice. Additionally, they may participate in community outreach programs to prevent blindness and improve eye health awareness.

More about Government Ophthalmology jobs
What states have the most Government Ophthalmology jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Ophthalmology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Ophthalmology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,920 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Physician - Ophthalmology

Physician - Ophthalmology

Sanford Health

Bemidji, MN • On-site

$400K - $518K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 532 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.
Visas Accepted
N/A
Specialty
Ophthalmology
Practice Details
• Join a team of four Ophthalmologists and six Optometrists
• Surgical based Ophthalmology practice blended with Optometry/primary eye care and optical
• Busy practice, 30-40 patients/day
• Strong internal and external referral network
• Shared call
• Fully equipped with YAG, photo-coag lasers, SLT/YAG, 3 Heidelberg OCTs with FA capability, multiple Ziess VFAs, and a Diopsys unit
• Established technical support staff including COTs, COAs, and associate staff working toward certification with JCAHPO
Community Description
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the Bemidji community graces the shore of Lake Bemidji, one of more than 400 lakes in the region. Named a "top town" by Outdoor Magazine, Bemidji is a four-season destination. Bemidji is a center for retail, education, medicine and government with a cost of living 17% below the national average.
Job Description
Ophthalmology Core Privileges include the ability to perform history and physical examination, admit (if applicable to setting), evaluate, diagnose, consult, and provide nonsurgical and surgical procedures on patients of all ages with ocular, and visual disorders, including those of the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the orbit and the visual pathways.
Qualifications
M.D. or D.O. degree.
Experience can be demonstrated in one of the following ways and should be reflective of the privileges being requested:
An applicant who has just completed a residency provides his/her residency log.
OR
An applicant who is not applying directly out of a residency shall provide a quality profile from the hospital(s) where he/she currently has privileges showing his/her clinical activity for the past 12 months, including numbers of procedures performed morbidity, mortality, infection rates, and other complications. The applicant must be able to demonstrate at least 50 Ophthalmology procedures in the last 12 months.
OR
If a quality profile is not available from the hospital(s) where the applicant currently has privileges, documentation of the applicant's clinical setting activity for the last 12 months is required. The applicant must be able to demonstrate at least 50 Ophthalmology procedures in the last 12 months.
Successful completion of a hospital affiliated Ophthalmology residency program accredited by the ACGME, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada. Training at residency programs accredited by organizations other than the above, may be considered via the waiver of eligibility process as defined in the Credentialing Policy.
Certification in the primary area of practice by the appropriate specialty/ subspecialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as applicable. Those applicants who are not board certified at the time of application but who have completed their residency training within the last five years shall be eligible, however must achieve board certification within five years from the date of completion of their residency training unless the appropriate governing Board waives such requirement. (Refer to each entity's policy for grandfather exceptions)
Compensation
Sanford Health offers a nationally competitive compensation plan with an additional physician benefits package including a health, dental and vision insurance, 401K plan, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, CME allowance, allowed time away, malpractice insurance and tail coverage, and a relocation allowance.
Annual compensation floor range (based on 1.0 FTE): $400,643 - $518,479 plus estimated potential to exceed compensation floor from personally performed wRVUs.
Additional incentives may be offered. Actual compensation offers may vary and are determined based on multiple factors including education, training, certification, experience, scope of practice and actual job requirements.
Recruiter Information
Celia Beck, Senior Physician Recruiter
Phone: +1 (218) 333-5056 Or celia.beck@sanfordhealth.org
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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