Optometrist

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact in Native communities. In this role you will support vital healthcare operations that ensure patients receive timely, high‑quality care. If you are looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well‑being, we encourage you to apply.

Duties

• Perform the full range of professional optometric physician duties, including examining, diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures.
• Diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases.
• Provide comprehensive primary eye care, including examination, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases and disorders.
• Provide emergency ocular care in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. Failure to maintain privileges may result in removal from service.
• Physical demands include walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending during assessment and treatment of patients.
• Pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Complete a federal background investigation within five calendar days of receipt of instructions.
• Demonstrate financial responsibility as part of the suitability determination.
• Provide two valid forms of identification; state ID or driver’s licence must be REAL‑ID compliant.

Education & Licensure

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE‑accredited program at the time the degree was obtained.
• Pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations and possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
• Provide evidence of secondary or post‑secondary education and licensure where required.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower federal grade level, demonstrated by providing primary eye care services, performing comprehensive ocular examinations, developing treatment plans, and managing acute and chronic eye diseases.
• Experience may be counted from paid, unpaid, or volunteer work, including National Service programs. Identify duties, responsibilities, and hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑11

• Meet all basic requirements listed above.

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑12

• In addition to GS‑11 requirements, one year completion of an accredited residency program or one year of equivalent professional experience.

Additional Information

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement will be required. This position may be covered by a bargaining unit. Eligible applicants may be considered for student loan repayment programs through Indian Health Service, NHSC, or HRSA.

All applicants must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and realize that this designated position requires contact with Indian children; the agency will verify that candidates have not been convicted of certain offenses.

Reasonable Accommodation

Requests for reasonable accommodation for disability applicants related to assessment procedures must be submitted with supporting documentation and received prior to the assessment start date.

Application Process

• Applicants must submit required transcripts, evaluation forms, and any foreign equivalency certificates.
• Applicants are invited to answer four short-essay questions (200 words or less each). Responses are optional but may be reviewed.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and full‑time status. Contact the hiring agency for further information.