Optometrist

Veterans Evaluation Services; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Evaluation Services (VES) seeks a contract Optometrist for on-site work in Santa Fe, NM. The clinician will perform comprehensive eye exams and document findings for Veterans’ disability claims, ensuring VA compliance and high-quality reports.

Requirements include a Doctor of Optometry degree and NM license (or eligibility), with strong exam skills, documentation ability, and professional interaction with Veterans. On-site collaboration with staff is expected.

Qualifications

• OD degree from an accredited institution and NM license or eligibility.
• Proficient in comprehensive eye exams and ocular disease assessment.
• Ability to document clearly and compliantly for VA requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills with Veterans.
• Professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail in clinical settings.
• Experience with disability/ C&P exams is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive eye and vision examinations focused on Veteran disability claims.
• Review medical histories and conduct ocular and visual function evaluations.
• Record clinical findings accurately in VA-compliant exam reports.
• Prepare clear, objective exam reports supporting disability determinations.
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to ensure timely completion of exams.
• Interact with Veterans professionally and empathetically; adhere to regulatory standards.

Skills

Clinical exam proficiency

Documentation & reporting

Interpersonal communication

Professionalism & ethics

Time management

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree

Optometry license in NM

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Office software

Job description

Company Description

Veterans Evaluation Services (VES), a Maximus company, partners with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to deliver high-quality, timely, and accurate medical disability exams for Veterans and transitioning service members. VES operates a global network of more than 6,500 clinicians and nearly 3,100 clinics, supported by mobile clinics that expand access to additional locations and communities. The organization is recognized for its high standards of excellence and strong satisfaction ratings from Veterans. Many core team members are Veterans who have firsthand experience with the disability claims process, enabling VES to approach every exam with respect, compassion, and a deep understanding of Veterans’ needs. VES is committed to supporting those who have served by helping ensure they receive the benefits they have earned.

Role Description

This is a contract, on-site Optometrist role based in Santa Fe, NM. The Optometrist will perform comprehensive eye and vision examinations focused on assessing and documenting conditions relevant to Veterans’ disability benefit claims. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing medical histories, conducting detailed ocular and visual function evaluations, performing diagnostic tests, and accurately recording clinical findings in accordance with Veterans Affairs guidelines. The Optometrist will prepare clear, objective exam reports that support disability determinations, collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to ensure exams are completed within established timeframes, and follow all applicable regulatory and documentation standards. The role involves interacting directly with Veterans in a professional, empathetic manner, maintaining a strong focus on quality, integrity, and patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Valid Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited institution and current, unrestricted optometry license in the state of New Mexico (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Clinical proficiency in comprehensive eye exams, ocular disease assessment, visual function testing, and use of standard optometric diagnostic equipment.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills, with the ability to produce clear, objective, and compliant exam reports that align with Veterans Affairs requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with Veterans from diverse backgrounds and explain clinical findings in understandable terms.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail, with consistent adherence to clinical protocols, privacy regulations, and ethical standards.
• Ability to work efficiently in an on-site clinical environment, manage scheduled appointments, and meet performance and timeliness expectations for contracted exams.
• Prior experience conducting disability, compensation and pension (C&P), or similar evaluations is beneficial; experience working with Veteran or military populations is a plus.
• Basic proficiency with electronic health records and standard office software; willingness to learn specific VES/VA systems and workflows.