Optometrist - US Navy

US Navy; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 5,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days of paid vacation annually

Annual incentive pay starting at $5,000

Health Professions Loan Repayment Program eligibility

Full medical/dental coverage

Job summary

A national military service seeks an Optometrist to provide comprehensive vision care to service members and their families. This role focuses on delivering advanced patient services in diverse settings, offers a predictable schedule with excellent benefits such as bonuses, health coverage, and medical loan repayment programs. Candidates must have an OD degree and an optometry license. This is an opportunity to serve and support national defense while advancing your career in a fulfilling environment.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry from an accredited school.
• Current, unrestricted U.S. optometry license or eligibility to obtain one.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and meet Navy physical fitness standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive eye exams and manage refractive needs.
• Provide care in various settings including naval facilities and operational environments.
• Lead optical teams and support multidisciplinary healthcare.

Skills

Primary and specialized eye care

Ocular disease management

Comprehensive eye exams

Leadership in healthcare delivery

Physical fitness standards

Education

OD (Doctor of Optometry) from an accredited school

Job description

Optometrist - U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps Officer

Join the U.S. Navy as an Optometrist and deliver full-scope eye care while serving those who serve—advance your career in a dynamic, global environment without the hassles of private practice.

As a Navy Optometrist (commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps), you'll provide comprehensive vision and ocular health services to Sailors, Marines, their families, and retirees. Enjoy the freedom to focus purely on patient care, with access to advanced technology, diverse cases, and opportunities for subspecialty work—all while eliminating malpractice concerns, billing, and overhead.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat ocular diseases, prescribe spectacles/contact lenses, and manage refractive needs (including co-management of refractive surgery).
• Handle ocular pathology, low vision rehabilitation, specialty contact lenses, traumatic brain injury vision care, and other subspecialty areas.
• Provide care in varied settings: naval hospitals, clinics worldwide, operational environments, or aboard hospital ships like USNS Comfort and Mercy.
• Support humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and fleet readiness by ensuring visual readiness for service members.
• Lead optical teams and contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare delivery.

Why Choose Navy Optometry?

• Full-Scope Practice Freedom: Deliver primary and specialized eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and training—often beyond civilian opportunities.
• Predictable Schedule & Balance: Regular clinic hours, 30 days of paid vacation annually, and dedicated time for fitness, family, and personal growth.
• Accession bonuses up to $30,000 (for qualifying 4-year obligations).
• Annual incentive pay starting at $5,000 (with retention bonuses up to $20,000+ for longer commitments).
• Eligibility for Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) to offset student loans.
• Full medical/dental coverage, retirement plan, housing allowance, and tax-advantaged incentives.
• Global Opportunities & Adventure: Serve in exciting locations including Hawaii, Japan, Europe, Guam, major naval medical centers (Bethesda, Portsmouth, San Diego), or deployable platforms—while making a real difference in operational and humanitarian efforts.
• Leadership & Professional Growth: Commissioned officer role with promotion potential, leadership training, and the honor of supporting national defense.

Qualifications:

• OD (Doctor of Optometry) from an accredited school.
• Current, unrestricted U.S. optometry license (or eligibility to obtain one).
• U.S. citizenship (required for commissioning).
• Meet Navy physical fitness standards and able to obtain a security clearance.
• Age typically between 21–42 at commissioning (waivers possible).

This isn't just a career—it's a mission to protect vision, readiness, and lives with purpose.

If you're a passionate Optometrist seeking meaningful work, financial rewards, and unparalleled variety, let's connect! Message me to discuss current opportunities, bonuses, and how the Navy can align with your professional goals. I'd love to learn about your background and answer any questions.