We’ve got some exciting news for our optometrists working in the VA system. Earlier this year, a new bill was passed that finally grants physician-level pay recognition to doctors of optometry within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

According to the AOA, vision and eye health are the third-most requested services by veterans, behind primary care and mental health. Sadly, optometrists have historically been paid on the general schedule pay scale, which has remained unchanged since 1976. That mismatch has led to serious recruitment challenges, especially as 20% of the VA’s optometry workforce is nearing retirement. 

With this bill, the pay gap between VA optometrists and their peers outside the system is finally closing. It’s a big win for our profession, and just as importantly, for the veterans who rely on us.