VA Optician Services Information Updates

This link is a letter shared from the Veteran's Canteen Service with regard to the National Contract and the potential transition.

The VA periodically reviews how services are delivered to ensure they remain effective, efficient, and aligned with long-term goals. This review is part of that normal process and does not reflect any change in the quality of work our teams are providing.

No. There are no changes to roles, pay, responsibilities, or daily operations at this time. Our teams will continue serving Veterans as we do today.

The VA has not shared a timeline for their review, but we expect to receive updates over the next few months. If a decision is made, we will share updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available.

Insourcing refers to the possibility of the VA providing certain services by hiring its own employees instead of contracting those services externally. At this time, this option is only being reviewed and no decision has been made.

The VA has not directly shared a timeline for their review, but we expect to receive updates over the next few months. Our best guess is that we will know more information between now and the end of July. That doesn't mean we know when any changes might go into effect, however. If a decision is made, we will share updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available.

During recent discussions, VCS leadership expressed strong interest in the role of travelers and the meaningful contributions they have made to optician services. VCS noted this as a valuable model they may consider continuing, including the potential to allocate traveler salaries across VA sites working with VCS. As more information becomes available, including the posting of any traveler or permanent positions, we will be sure to communicate updates promptly. We encourage you to do the same if you become aware of any opportunities. In the meantime, we recommend applying for any posted roles including travel positions so you can explore your options and make the best decision for yourself.

PDS Optical will ensure that you are paid out any unused accrued PTO or VACATION time.  You will not lose time that you have earned.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please share it with your manager or HR. If we hear a question from multiple employees, we’ll add it to this page so everyone can benefit from the answer.