Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Optometrist
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-25-GP-12668488-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, January 31, 2025 to Friday, January 30, 2026
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a recipient of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Health Profession Scholarship authorized under Public Law 94-437?
If yes, confirm:
  1. You have completed or will be completing the requirements of the approved health profession program within the established timeframe
  2. Meet all eligibility criteria
  3. Entitled to a one-time priority referral/selection to fulfill their obligation to provide public service
You will be required to submit a copy of your transcripts. If you are pending completion of a health profession degree submit a copy of your transcripts and written proof from the education institution's registrar which provides the date for completing the professional program.
(limit characters)
4. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
5. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
6. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
7. Political, Schedule C, Non-career SES Appointee: In the last five years, based on the closing date of this announcement, have you been or are you currently an employee in the Executive Branch serving on a political, Schedule C, or Non-career SES appointment? If yes, and you are selected through this vacancy announcement, you may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment.

A political appointee is an appointment made by the President without confirmation by the Senate (5 CFR 213.3102(c)) OR an Assistant position to a top-level Federal official if filled by a person designated by the President as a White House Fellow (5 CFR 213.3102(z)). A Non-career SES appointee is approved by the White House and serves at the pleasure of the appointing official without time limitations. A Schedule C appointee occupies a position excepted from the competitive service by the President, or by the Director, OPM, because of the confidential or policy-determining nature of the position duties.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Optometrist position with the Indian Health Service. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Basic Requirement - Education
I have completed a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) accredited by the Council on Optometric Education.
(limit characters)
2. Basic Requirement - Licensure
I 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 territory of the United States.
(limit characters)
3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-0662-11
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-11 level.
(limit characters)
4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-0662-12
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-12 level.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Examines eyes using diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. (limit characters)
6. Examines eyes using extended posterior segment evaluation. (limit characters)
7. Examines eyes using Ocular imaging studies. (limit characters)
8. Deal calmly in high stress or challenging situations (e.g., tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations) to make a rational decision. (limit characters)
9. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflicts using informal and/or formal procedures. (limit characters)
10. Develop rapport with patients and families to foster trust. (limit characters)
11. Interact with administrative and supervisory staff members in order to create a culture of teamwork. (limit characters)
12. Recognize sight-threatening conditions that require other medical services or surgery to correct. (limit characters)
13. Teach patients on eye care and disease prevention. (limit characters)
14. Provide guidance in interpreting policies, procedures, and practices related to optometry. (limit characters)
15. Make technical decisions when referring patients to other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is necessary. (limit characters)
16. Enter consultation requests into an Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.). (limit characters)
17. Enter patient information into an Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.) including subjective patient information and objective data. (limit characters)
18. Order labs and advance testing in an Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.). (limit characters)
19. Utilize Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.) data to develop, implement, evaluate and revise an appropriate plan of care. (limit characters)
SECTION II: CERTIFICATION OF INFORMATION ACCURACY
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.
 
Certification of Information Accuracy
If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position.
(limit characters)
20. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)