In August, National Eye Exam Month urges people of all ages to schedule routine eye exams. At VA, we’re also focused (pun intended) on recognizing the pivotal role optometrists play in identifying and managing eye conditions, ensuring on-time intervention, and preserving optimal vision.
Optometrists at VA
At VA, optometrists learn that eye health can be tied to additional issues developed through military service and, in many cases, the advancing age of the Veteran population. As such, VA’s team care environment offers support across all departments.
“I love being in a setting where you can refer people in-house to different places they need to go,” said Dr. Patricia Kranz, a VA optometrist in Columbia, South Carolina. “If a Veteran is here for their primary care visit, and their doctor sees something, they can send them to us, or message us. We’re all working together for the same purpose, no matter what level we’re at.”
Whether they’re seeing Veterans (pun intended again) in a medical center, an outpatient clinic, or even virtually, our optometrists are dedicated to helping Veterans find the best possible outcomes and getting them back to seeing things clearly.
More than just glasses
Working in our facilities, VA optometrists provide Veterans with vision exams, preventative vision testing and treatment, and prescription eyeglasses, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to working at VA.
“I feel like when a lot of people think ‘optometrist’, they that we just focus on glasses or contact lenses,” said Kranz, “but we do a lot more than that.”
As a trained eye care specialist, an optometrist may also perform diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative procedures. Kranz noted that you can work in primary care, ocular disease, emergency care, or even eye trauma, as well as evaluating for issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
“There are so many different ways you can broaden your career, and the VA is here for that. They want you to do that,” Kranz explained. “There are a lot of different paths you can take, and it makes for a really awesome, well-rounded experience.”
Paths to a rewarding career
Optometrists interested in pursuing a career path with VA have the option of starting while still a student. Many fourth-year rotations are available throughout the country, allowing students to gain better insight into VA’s mission to serve Veterans.
“During my fourth year of optometry school, I did a rotation at VA, and that’s when I knew I wanted to select VA optometry as a career. I’ve found the optometry practice here places a heavy focus on treating diseases, and it’s very gratifying to help patients alleviate their problems,” said Dr. Daniel Shea of Bay Pines VA.
“I did my rotation down in Tampa,” said Kranz. “It was amazing. I only worked there for a couple of months, but I really felt a calling, and really felt at home there, so I pursued a residency at VA, which led to my job here now. What started out being a requirement actually became my career.”
New graduates can also opt to pursue one of the many unique VA ocular disease residency programs, and a job at VA also offers access to student loan repayment opportunities like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
VA’s mission of service
Regardless of the path they took to get here, our optometrists share in our mission of service to Veterans, and are committed to building strong relationships and contributing to the whole health of those who have served.
“I’m not military, but a lot of my family is, so working here is a comfortable place for me,” said Shea. “Treating Veterans makes me feel like I’m doing something to help them lead fuller lives.”
“These Veterans have amazing stories,” agreed Kranz. “You see everyone from 25 to 95, full of life and so full of experiences, and I just love being part of their lives and their health care.”
Work at VA
Take time during National Eye Exam Month to schedule your own exams. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the rewards of a career at VA.
- LEARN about VA optometrists.
- EXPLORE the employment benefits we offer.
- SEARCH for an opportunity near you.
