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Optometrist Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optometrist (Clinical)

Fort Polk, LA · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

... LA Optometrist (Clinical) * Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes ... Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include ...

Optometrist Tacoma is the perfect base point for exploring Mount Rainier National Park and the ... and Defense Medical Human Resource System (DMHRSi). * Must have and maintain current Basic Life ...

Optometrist (Clinical)

Fort Sill, OK · On-site +1

$89K - $116K/yr

A Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program that is accredited by the Accreditation ... Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for ...

The optometrist must hold a diploma from an accredited program and must possess two years of ... Dymentum Health provides worldwide support to the Department of Defense as well as Commercial ...

The optometrist must hold a diploma from an accredited program and must possess two years of ... Dymentum Health provides worldwide support to the Department of Defense as well as Commercial ...

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Optometrist Defense information

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$65K

$124.2K

$185K

How much do optometrist defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optometrist defense in the United States is $124,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optometrist Defense vs Optometrist?

AspectOptometrist DefenseOptometrist
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) license, state licensing requirementsDoctor of Optometry (OD) license, state licensing requirements
Work EnvironmentLegal, insurance, and professional defense settingsEye care clinics, private practices, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageLegal defense firms, professional associationsHealthcare providers, optical stores, hospitals

Optometrist Defense focuses on legal and professional protection services for optometrists, whereas Optometrists primarily provide eye care services. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and employer types differ significantly, with Optometrist Defense centered on legal support and Optometrists on patient care.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs are typically in specialized fields such as ocular disease, vision therapy, or working in private practice with advanced skills. Salaries can exceed $150,000 annually for experienced optometrists with additional certifications or those managing large practices. Leadership roles like clinic directors or partners also tend to offer higher compensation.

How much do military optometrists make?

Military optometrists typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. They often receive additional benefits such as healthcare, housing allowances, and retirement plans, with opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.

What are some common challenges faced by optometrists specializing in defense cases, and how can they be addressed?

Optometrists involved in defense cases often face challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, providing expert testimony, and staying updated on legal standards related to eye care. They must balance clinical accuracy with clear communication for legal teams and courts, which can be demanding. Building strong documentation habits, participating in ongoing legal education, and collaborating closely with attorneys can help address these challenges and ensure credibility in defense proceedings.

Can I become an optometrist in the military?

Yes, optometrists can serve in the military as commissioned officers, providing eye care to service members. Military optometrists typically need to meet the same educational and licensing requirements as civilian optometrists and may undergo additional military training. They often work in military clinics or hospitals and may be deployed as part of their service.

What is Optometrist Defense?

Optometrist defense refers to legal representation and support provided to optometrists facing complaints, investigations, or disciplinary actions related to their professional practice. This can involve defending against malpractice claims, licensing board actions, or regulatory issues. Attorneys specializing in optometrist defense help ensure that practitioners’ rights are protected and guide them through complex legal proceedings. They may also offer advice on compliance with healthcare laws and regulations to help prevent future legal problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optometrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and strong knowledge of vision science and ocular health. Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as phoropters, autorefractors, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and patient education abilities help build trust and ensure effective care. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate diagnoses, prescribing appropriate treatments, and providing outstanding patient experiences.

Can an optometrist make 300k?

Optometrists typically earn less than $300,000 annually, with median salaries around $115,000 to $125,000. Reaching a $300,000 income usually requires advanced specialization, owning a private practice, or working in high-demand areas with additional hours or administrative responsibilities.
More about Optometrist Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Optometrist Defense jobs? Cities with the most Optometrist Defense job openings:
What states have the most Optometrist Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Optometrist Defense jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optometrist Defense job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.
Optometrist (Clinical)

Optometrist (Clinical)

Defense Health Agency

Fort Polk, LA • On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Other

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Defense Health Agency rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

This position is located at Bayne-Jones Army Community hospital within Fort Polk, LA

Optometrist (Clinical)

  • Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes

  • Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service

  • This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Salary range: $89,508 to - $116,362 per year

Benefits: https://civilianmedicaljobs.com/benefits/

Fort Polk is an Army post located in Vernon Parish in Louisiana seven miles from Leesville, Louisiana. The city of Leesville, population 6700, is situated between Shreveport and Lake Charles. It is 63 miles to Lake Charles, Louisiana and 50 miles to Alexandria where the nearest municipal airport is located. Fort Polk is the second largest employer in the state of Louisiana and has a huge economic impact on the entire state. The Army is situated on 198,000 acres. The Department of the Army actually owns 100,000 acres with the remaining acreage belonging to the United States Forest Service and part of the Kisatchie National Forest. The land that the post is on is both of historical and archeological value.

Living in Leesville, LA is a wonderful experience. This small city of about 6,000 people offers a unique rural charm and plenty of outdoor activities to explore. Residents can enjoy the nearby lakes and woods for fishing, camping, hiking, and all other sorts of outdoor adventures. The city also boasts numerous attractions such as the local museum, library, and performance venues, providing the community with a variety of cultural activities to take part in. There is also a wide selection of restaurants and shops that offer something for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere in Leesville is friendly and welcoming; it's easy to make friends there!

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions.

Responsibilities

Duties

  • Provide diagnosis, management, and treatment of all patients that are within the scope of optometric practice and credentials.

  • Treat pathology and injuries of the eye and adnexa using therapeutic drugs.

  • Diagnose and treat any visual anomaly and pathologic conditions of the ocular adnexa.

  • Perform visual and ocular examinations on all types of patients, such as refractive surgery patients, pediatric patients, geriatric patients, and contact lens patients.

  • Provide eye and vision consultative services to patients and medical staff.

  • Serve as a Visual Conservation Officer performing a variety of duties dealing with eye protection and eye injuries of service members and civilian workers.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education/experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document (https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0016283) .

Basic Requirements for Optometrist: Degree:

A Doctor of Optometry degree from an educational program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) at the time the degree was obtained.

Licensure: Applicants must have received a passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NEBO) examinations and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of professional experience as an Optometrist which includes examining and treating patients with visual disorders and/or diseases. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

OR

Residency: One year completion of a residency program in an institution accredited for such training.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Apply for this Job Online (https://careers-civilianmedicaljobs.icims.com/jobs/9086/optometrist-%28clinical%29--gs-0662-12/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in_iframe=1&hashed=-336268516)

Location US-LA-Fort Johnson

Job ID 2026-9086

# Positions 1

Salary Range $89,508 to - $116,362 per year

Recruitment Bonus Negotiable

Relocation Assistance Negotiable

Student Loan Repayment No


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