This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.
Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This is an Open, Continuous Announcement and may be extended beyond the current closing date of November 30, 2026, until the position is filled. Eligible applicants will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis during the duration of the announcement. Once a selection is made and the offer is accepted, the announcement may close pending no additional vacancies.
This position is located in Fort Smith, AR which is a part of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. Fort Smith is a city where Old West grit meets a modern creative spirit. Murals from The Unexpected murals project brighten historic buildings, and the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum brings in rotating exhibits alongside local art. Garrison Avenue is alive with restaurants, pubs and breweries like Neumeier's Rib Room & Beer Garden and Prima Italia.
The riverfront draws crowds for the Peacemaker Festival's national music acts and the Old Fort Days Rodeo, a tradition locals love that dates back nearly a century. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Authorized: This position is eligible for EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program.
You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of your start date. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP Participants are ineligible to apply for the program.
Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting The staff optometrist duties will be performed in the Eye Clinic at Ft.
Smith, Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. The Optometrist will be responsible to ensure all documentations are complete according to the VA guidelines. All progress notes should be entered in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). All patient related orders should be entered in the CPRS as per VA guidelines.
The following is a list of some of the procedures and services the Optometrist will be required to perform: Provide comprehensive eye care services as well as follow-up care of existing conditions and management of emergency conditions. Examination of the human eye to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the human eye or adnexa.
Prescribing of lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, contact lenses, orthotics, vision training, pharmaceutical agents, and prosthetic devices to correct, relieve or treat defects or abnormal conditions or the human eye or its adnexa. Referral to and consultation with other health care providers. Education of patients, residents, students, and medical staff regarding ocular anomalies, ocular disease, and sight conservation.
Participate in the clinical supervision of optometry residents and student externs if available. Serves as Optometrist under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Optometry within the Surgical Care Service Line. Work Schedule: To be discussed during the interview process
Degree of Doctor of Optometry resulting from a course of education in Optometry. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
Approved schools are: 1) United States and Canadian schools or colleges of Optometry listed as accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed. 2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensure.
Alisha.Crane@va.gov · 909-961-4840
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $125000 – $190000/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-30.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-27 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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