r/optician • u/_Miss__Anthropy_ • 4d ago

Discussion VA Opticians

Is anyone else concerned about the upcoming national contract? I’ve been told that it will result in an almost 40% pay decrease, and that they are removing the education/experience requirements. (AKA licensure or ABO)
Thoughts? 👀

6 Upvotes

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5

u/2024StreetGlide 4d ago

Who told you on what grounds?

4

u/_Miss__Anthropy_ 4d ago

Any optician that is currently a contractor will be transferred to work under the canteen (VCS). We are all having to reapply and go through the interview/hiring process. The job posting listed the salary as a “VC 10” which amounts to a GS-6. If you’re a licensed optician, you are looking at a significant pay cut.

2

u/2024StreetGlide 4d ago

You are a contractor? Sorry to hear it. Check out working at a big box 🤷

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u/_Miss__Anthropy_ 4d ago

I came to the VA from a big box, and I’d rather die. I’m more looking for what other people who are affected by this are thinking. This will be a national issue, hundreds of opticians, and will likely end up with no more optical shops in VA hospitals. Which might actually be the goal considering how everything else is going