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Veterans Affairs Optometry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Optometrist

Marion, IN · On-site

$128K/yr

Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs ...

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

SD · On-site

$123K/yr

Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs ...

Veterans Health Administration

Optometrist

Batavia, NY · On-site

$124K - $250K/yr

Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry * The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs ...

Veterans Health Administration

Optometrist

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$125K - $190K/yr

Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry * The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs ...

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Veterans Affairs Optometry information

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$25.5K

$96.4K

$158K

How much do veterans affairs optometry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterans affairs optometry in the United States is $96,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Veterans Affairs optometrist do?

A Veterans Affairs (VA) Optometrist provides comprehensive eye care services to veterans, including eye exams, diagnosing and managing eye diseases, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals. They work within VA hospitals or clinics, focusing on the unique needs of veterans, such as vision issues related to aging, injury, or service-related conditions. Their role is crucial in maintaining veterans' visual health and overall quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterans Affairs optometrist?

To thrive as a Veterans Affairs Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and comprehensive knowledge of ocular diseases and vision care. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems, diagnostic imaging tools, and specialized optometric equipment is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and cultural competence help build trust with veteran patients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality eye care and addressing the unique needs of the veteran population within the VA healthcare system.

How does working as an optometrist in Veterans Affairs differ from private practice or retail settings?

Optometrists in Veterans Affairs (VA) often work in multidisciplinary teams alongside ophthalmologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists, providing comprehensive eye care to veterans. The patient population may present with complex medical histories and unique ocular conditions related to military service, offering diverse and challenging cases. Unlike retail or private practice, the VA typically emphasizes continuity of care, access to advanced diagnostic equipment, and opportunities for teaching or research. Additionally, optometrists may participate in program development and quality improvement initiatives, with structured pathways for career advancement within the federal system.

What are popular job titles related to Veterans Affairs Optometry jobs?

For Veterans Affairs Optometry jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Veterans Affairs Optometry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,382 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Optometrist

Manchester, NH • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
  • Current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
  • Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are:
    • (1) Approved residencies are those with accredited or within pre-accredited status by the ACOE, in the list published for the year the residency was completed. 3 OR
    • (2) Two years of licensed clinical optometric practice in the United States consisting of active involvement in the management of medically complex patients
      • Exceptions: The Approving Official may approve, under unusual circumstances, a waiver of residency or comparable experience.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted.Education:
Education: Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are United States and Canadian schools or colleges of optometry listed as accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.
Employment Type: OTHER

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