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Optometrist

Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs

This job in plain English

This is a full-time, permanent Optometrist job at the John J Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, part of the Veterans Health Administration. The job is not remote, but telework may be allowed as set by agency policy.

Telework eligible1 vacancy

It may close early. The announcement may close before the listed closing date if the position is filled another way.

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • VeteransPeople who served on active duty and left under honorable conditions, through the veterans' hiring authorities (VEOA, VRA, 30% disabled veterans).
  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.

Other groups listed above may get extra consideration, for example veterans' preference.

Only U.S. citizens can apply, unless the VA cannot find qualified citizens; then non-citizens may be appointed. The job is open to the public, and veterans and certain family members of veterans may claim veterans' preference.

What you would do

  • Examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the vision system
  • Use exam techniques to find vision problems, eye diseases, and other abnormalities
  • Prescribe and adapt eyeglass lenses and other optical aids
  • Refer patients to other health professionals when needed
  • Document patient records and sign orders in the electronic medical record
  • Coordinate care with VA tertiary care facilities and VA sharing partners

Do you qualify for VM-15?

With experience: You must have completed a VA-approved residency training program, or have 2 years of licensed clinical optometry practice in the United States that involved managing medically complex patients. Three years of experience at a VA facility or private practice is preferred. Pay is set through a formal pay-setting process.

With education: You need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from a school of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), or another approved school listed for the year you finished. Foreign education needs a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency sent with your transcript.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Current, full and unrestricted license to practice optometry in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or D.C.
  • Registration in your state of licensure if required, and passing all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for basic licensure

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Resume or C.V. (a standard VA Clinical Resume document is provided in the announcement for the two-page resume field)
  • Full resume or C.V. without page limit in the 'Other' field, if you want
  • DD-214 showing dates and character of service, if you claim veterans' preference
  • SF-15 with proof, if you claim 10-point veterans' preference

How you will be rated: You will be rated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed. Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be verified, and errors or missing information may affect your consideration.

Tips for this job:

  • Use the VA Clinical Resume document link in the announcement for the two-page resume field, and put your full CV in the Other field
  • Make sure your Doctor of Optometry degree comes from an approved, accredited school and that your residency or 2 years of practice is clearly shown
  • Apply online by 11:59 PM ET on 11/20/2026, and include the announcement number in the Notes field if you cannot apply online

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. No travel required.

Incentives and relocation: Annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, and loan repayment opportunities are mentioned. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizenship, with limited exceptions
  • Drug test (urinalysis) before appointment
  • Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Proficient in written and spoken English
  • Background and security investigation
  • Online onboarding and acceptable identification; REAL ID required for driver's licenses
  • Pre-employment physical examination
  • Seasonal influenza vaccination, or an approved exemption
  • 2-year probationary period

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$125,000 – $150,000 per year
Pay scale and grade
VM-15 · VA medical and dental
Location
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Appointment
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Openings
1
Security clearance
Other
Travel
Not required
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Medical Officer (0602)
Announcement
CBSS-13007113-26-TS

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