Glaucoma Surgeon (Ophthalmologist) SAVAHCS (Tucson, AZ)

 Glaucoma Surgeon (Ophthalmologist) SAVAHCS (Tucson, AZ)

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) is seeking an Ophthalmologist specializing in Glaucoma Surgery to join our team of comprehensive and subspecialist ophthalmologists in sunny Tucson, Arizona.

This position is primarily focused on tertiary glaucoma care, with strong opportunities for mentoring and teaching residents from the University of Arizona Ophthalmology Residency. The role reports to the Clinical Director of Ophthalmology.

 Position Location

Tucson VA Medical Center (SAVAHCS) Tucson, Arizona

 What You’ll Do

You will provide a full spectrum of ophthalmic care with an emphasis on glaucoma, including:

• Glaucoma medical and surgical management for a tertiary caseload
• Cataract procedures—performing as well as teaching/assisting residents
• Anterior segment laser procedures, including:
• YAG SLT
• Argon laser services
• Call coverage on a regular basis in alignment with other faculty
• Resident staffing in clinic and OR, with an emphasis on anterior segment disorders and glaucoma
• Rotational coverage for resident call and urgent clinic patients
• Patient and family education to support understanding and adherence
• Timely clinical documentation and charting
• Participation in quality of care, peer review, and performance improvement activities

 Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy)
• MD/DO (or equivalent degree from a recognized medical program)
• Current, full, unrestricted license to practice medicine/surgery in any U.S. state
• Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Ophthalmology (ABMS)
• Completion of Glaucoma fellowship
• Full-time, permanent schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

 Training & Academic Mission

SAVAHCS is a Joint Commission-accredited, level 1a complexity teaching hospital and the principal teaching affiliate of the University of Arizona. You will work alongside a team committed to clinical excellence, education, and continuous improvement.

 Why Tucson / Why SAVAHCS

Tucson offers ~350 days of sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, and a strong university community—while SAVAHCS provides the stability of VA medicine and a mission-driven environment serving 170,000+ Veterans across Southern Arizona.

 Pay & Benefits (Highlights)

• Pay: $300,000 – $400,000 (annual performance bonus; regular salary increases)
• Recruitment incentive (sign-on bonus): May be authorized
• Paid time off: 50–55 days/year
• Generous federal retirement (pension + TSP)
• Comprehensive federal insurance benefits (health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care options)
• Licensure support: 1 full unrestricted license accepted from any U.S. state/territory
• Malpractice coverage: Provided (VA liability protections)

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2025, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $23,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $31,000.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service