NAVAO

Market Pay Reviews (MPRs) for Optometrists

Mar 18, 2026 | Optometry HQ Announcements

Greetings everyone,

Please continue to monitor the VA Optometry Service National Program Office SharePoint site for updates to the pay conversion for optometrists.  As noted on the  Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act section, phase two which incorporates the Market Pay Review (MPR) was started on February 26, 2026.  Since we have had many questions about this phase, we wanted to share updates from VHA’s Workforce Management and Consulting Office regarding Market Pay Reviews (MPRs).  Please see the summary below.

Please be advised that guidance on the initial Market Pay Reviews (MPRs) for Optometrists has already been sent out as of February 26, 2026. The tasker went out to HR staff with a request that the MPRs be completed by June 20, 2026.

Although some optometrists had an intermediary value assigned to market pay in the first phase of conversion to PDPO pay (on December 28, 2025), this second phase of conversion of optometrists to PDPO pay constitutes the initial market pay review. This is where the Optometrist is reviewed against the market pay criteria and a recommendation/decision is made whether to process a market pay adjustment or if the salary on the conversion is sufficient, requiring no increase. The VHA Workforce Management and Consulting Office indicates that the market pay analysis can include surveys with a salary range from the 10th percentile to the 90th percentile; however, it is common — though not required — that the 90th percentile is used to set market pay.

Each facility will run their own local labor market pay analysis to set market pay appropriately. Market Pay is one of the three elements of pay for VHA Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, and Optometrists. Market Pay is the component of annual pay intended to reflect the recruitment and retention needs for the specialty or assignment of a particular VHA physician, dentist, podiatrist, or optometrist at a VA facility (VA Handbook 5007, Part IX). Each physician, dentist, podiatrist, and optometrist is required to have a Market Pay Review at least once every 24 months. Under 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 7431(c)(4), the determination of the amount of market pay of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or optometrist shall take into account:

  1. Level of experience in the specialty or assignment.
  2. Need for the specialty or assignment at the medical facility of the Department.
  3. Heath care labor market for the specialty or assignment which may cover any geographic area the Secretary considers appropriate for the specialty or assignment.
  4. Board certifications.
  5. The accomplishments of the employee/candidate in the specialty/specialties or assignment.
  6. Prior experience, if any, as an employee of the Veterans Health Administration.
  7. Unique circumstances, qualifications, or credentials, if any, being used in comparison to the equivalent compensation level of non-VA employee’s in the local healthcare labor market.
  8. Amount of non-foreign Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), if applicable.
  9. Provide data showing the salary range comparison (i.e., Min-Mid-Max) of what providers at the VHACO Program Office or the VISN/Medical Center in the same specialty and tier are being paid.
  10. Other considerations as the Secretary considers appropriate.

Market pay determinations will be documented on VA Form 10-0432A, Market Pay Review and Approval Form. The Market Pay Review and Approval Form must be completed, approved, and signed by the appropriate management official. Supervisors and managers will recommend market pay for all optometrists by completing VA Form 10-0432A, Market Pay Review and Approval Form and forwarding to their VISN Compensation Center of Excellence (CCoE). All Market Pay Review and Approval Forms must be signed and dated by the recommending official.

Please note the following:

  • Market pay does not have to be increased as a result of the review.
  • Market pay cannot decrease for a provider remaining in the same position or assignment at the same duty station without adverse action.
  • A reduction in market pay can be applied under the following circumstances:
  1. A correction is being made to the original appointment action
  2. Change in board certification
  3. Reduction in clinical privileges
  4. Change in assignment or duties

Because a reduction in market pay can be considered a major adverse action, we strongly recommend VISN CCoEs consult with Employee Relations if market pay is being reduced for any reason.

All Market Pay reviews are to be completed by June 20, 2026.

Thank you,

The Optometry National Program Office