The NAVAO is thrilled to announce that, The Honorable Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has approved Document VA-2025-VACO-0002, which provides notice of the annual pay ranges for physicians, dentists, podiatrists, and optometrists within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as of today, 10/24/2025. We are delighted to share that optometrists will now be included in the annual pay ranges in Pay Table 1, as per The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This pivotal decision is set to enhance our recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring we continue to attract the highest qualified optometrists to care for our esteemed Veterans.
According to the Federal Register notice, conversion is targeted to begin 12/28/2025. We encourage all members to update and review their CVs in preparation for the implementation processes at their local facilities.
Workforce Management and the VA Optometry National Program Office will continue to provide ongoing guidance to our members and the broader VA optometry field with forthcoming implementation processes.
Together, let’s celebrate this monumental step forward in recognizing the vital contributions of optometrists in the VA and our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our Veterans! NAVAO will continue to advocate for you and address the broader needs of VA optometrists within the field to ensure ongoing support and advancement.
Jarett Mazzarella, O.D., FAAO
President NAVAO
Megan Tomsik, O.D., FAAO
Vice President NAVAO