A compact, efficient optical parametric oscillator (OPO) for the visible to near-infrared region based on periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate pumped by a frequency-doubled multikilohertz Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is demonstrated. Up to 61% photon conversion with a 71% slope efficiency for photon conversion from 532 nm to the signal radiation was measured. We observed that the efficient conversion diminished the potential for photorefractive damage induced by the 532 nm radiation in the crystal and made sustained operation of the OPO device possible.