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Government Optometry Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Physician - Ophthalmology

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$400K - $518K/yr

... with Optometry/primary eye care and optical • Busy practice, 30-40 patients/day • Strong ... Bemidji is a center for retail, education, medicine and government with a cost of living 17% below ...

Physician - Ophthalmology

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$400K - $518K/yr

... Optometry/primary eye care and optical Busy practice, 30-40 patients/day Strong internal and ... Bemidji is a center for retail, education, medicine and government with a cost of living 17% below ...

Urgent Care Physician

Cass Lake, MN

$210K - $249K/yr

... Government as a Public Health Service, Indian Health Service Facility. The Service Unit has an ... Optometry Services. Cass Lake Client also provides 24/7 access to Emergency Care services. The ...

Government Optometry information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do government optometry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for government optometry in Minnesota is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Government Optometry, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and strong diagnostic and clinical skills in eye care. Familiarity with vision testing equipment, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and government reporting procedures is typically necessary. Excellent attention to detail, professionalism, and strong communication skills help in working effectively with diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based eye care within regulatory and public service frameworks.

What is the typical work environment and schedule like for a Government Optometrist?

Government Optometrists often work in clinics, public health facilities, or within federal or state agencies, providing vision care to specific populations such as veterans, military personnel, or underserved communities. Work schedules are usually regular weekday office hours, with minimal weekend or emergency duty compared to private practice. Teams often include other healthcare professionals, administrative staff, and technicians, fostering a collaborative work environment. This stability and structured routine can offer an ideal balance for those seeking predictable hours while making a meaningful impact in public health.

What is a Government Optometry job?

A Government Optometry job involves providing eye care services within public health systems, military branches, or other government agencies. Optometrists in these roles perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose and manage eye diseases, and may be involved in vision research or policy development. They often work in veterans' hospitals, military clinics, public health departments, or correctional facilities. These positions offer stable employment, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to serve diverse populations.

What are popular job titles related to Government Optometry jobs in Minnesota? For Government Optometry jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Government Optometry jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Government Optometry jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Government Optometry job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Physician - Ophthalmology

Physician - Ophthalmology

Sanford Health

Bemidji, MN • On-site

$400K - $518K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 521 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 870 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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