Ophthalmologist – U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy · Bethesda, MD
Posted June 21, 2026
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, US, 20889
Total Annual Compensation: $250,883 – $302,461
Provide top-tier medical and surgical eye care, support military readiness, and enjoy an unmatched work-life balance with outstanding benefits — all while caring for those who serve.
Position Highlights
- $400,000 Accession Bonus
- $54,000 Specialty Incentive Pay
- $8,000 Board Certification Pay
- Exceptional Benefits – including full retirement, 30 days PTO, and federal holidays
- 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave – plus additional convalescent leave as needed
- Work-Life Balance – no production quotas or insurance hassles; focus on quality care
- Generous Housing – tax-free housing stipend or on-base housing
- Forever GI Bill – 36 months of education benefits, including full tuition, housing, and $1,000 annual book stipend
- Advanced Technology – access to the latest medical equipment and dedicated clinical support
- Mission-Driven Environment – contribute to research and lead ophthalmic teams
Responsibilities
Deliver expert medical and surgical care for a wide range of eye conditions, including vision correction, trauma management, and disease treatment. Lead ophthalmic teams and mentor medical personnel while ensuring the vision health and operational readiness of service members in both stateside and overseas settings.
Minimum Qualifications
- MD or DO (or ECFMG Certified)
- Completion of an ACGME accredited Ophthalmology residency (or in final year)
- Board Certified / Board Eligible Ophthalmologist (or in final year of residency)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Up to age 57 (as required by Federal Law: Title 10 U.S. Code section 531 and 532)
Employer
U.S. Navy
Becoming a doctor is one of the most challenging paths you can choose for yourself. You have to want it, and to know why you want it: to help people, to heal sickness and cure disease, to solve medical mysteries and make scientific discoveries. The reasons for becoming a doctor are noble, but there are plenty of distractions once you hit the real world.
Running your own office means watching insurance reimbursement rates dwindle while exorbitant malpractice insurance premiums skyrocket, all while dealing with healthcare industry red tape and staffing. But as a Navy Physician, all those nuisances are handled for you—from cutting through the red tape to covering the expenses—so you can focus on what really matters: treating the Sailors and Marines who keep our country safe and the families who support them.
Navy Physicians also:
- Earn excellent compensation in an established, thriving practice
- Experience manageable patient ratios for high-quality, one-on-one care
- Receive hands-on experience and Navy-funded advanced training
- Enjoy a flexible schedule that leaves more time for family and personal pursuits
Officers in the Navy Medical Corps are afforded the opportunity to attend the medical school of their choice and graduate debt-free through our scholarship and loan repayment programs. From a sign-on bonus of up to $800,000, and up to 100% tuition coverage, to a generous housing allowance, the education opportunities and financial rewards stack high for those pursuing a career as a Navy Physician. When you choose to invest your skills in the Navy, we invest in your future.