Optometrist

Indian Health Service; Mescalero (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to a range of federal employee benefits

Potential recruitment or relocation incentives

Job summary

Join the Indian Health Service in Mescalero, NM, as an Optometric Physician, where your expertise will directly support healthcare operations for Native communities. In this role, you will perform a full range of optometric duties, including examining, diagnosing, and treating visual system disorders.

Applicants must hold a Doctor of Optometry degree and possess relevant licensure. This position offers a meaningful career path within public health, emphasizing patient care and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience in diagnosing and treating a range of eye diseases.
• Passing score on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examinations.
• Licensure to practice optometry in a relevant state.

Responsibilities

• Examine, diagnose, and treat disorders of the visual system.
• Provide comprehensive primary eye care.
• Deliver emergency ocular care in various settings.

Skills

Primary eye care services

Diagnosing ocular diseases

Prescribing corrective lenses

Emergency ocular care

Education

Doctor of Optometry degree

Job description

Overview

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're looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well-being, we encourage you to apply.

Duties

• Performs 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.
• Provides comprehensive primary eye care, including examination, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases and disorders.
• Provide emergency ocular care in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Eligibility & Conditions

REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). The position is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees will receive new appointments, with benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements unchanged.

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101‑630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. The agency ensures that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement will be required.

Physical Demands

The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

Background Investigation Requirement

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or a determination of unsuitability.

Financial Suitability Requirement

This position requires a review of the applicant’s financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations—including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court‑ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears—may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must indicate sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties. Experience includes paid, unpaid, volunteer, or part‑time experience. You must identify duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Education: Applicants must have a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited program 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 (NBEO) 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 U.S. territory.

Basic Requirements for GS‑11 (or Equivalent): Applicants who meet the above basic requirements qualify for GS‑11 grade level.

Basic Requirements for GS‑12 (or Equivalent): In addition to the GS‑11 requirements, applicants must meet one of the following:

• One year completion of a residency program in an accredited institution for such training; or
• One year of professional experience as an optometrist that is equivalent to at least the GS‑11 grade level.

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing primary eye care services, developing treatment plans, prescribing corrective lenses, evaluating and managing patients with acute and chronic eye diseases.

Benefits

A federal employee and family have access to a range of benefits designed to be highly rewarding. Eligibility depends on position type and employment status. For more information, please contact the hiring agency for specific benefits offered.