Optometric Technicians
Background
Optometry, or vision care, is one of the many health benefits available to military personnel. The military operates its own clinics to examine eyes and fit glasses or contact lenses. Optometric technicians work with patients and manage clinic offices. Optometric technicians assist optometrists in providing vision care.
What They Do
Optometric technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Fit eyeglasses to patients
- Keep records in optometry offices
- Make minor repairs to glasses
- Order eyeglasses and contact lenses from prescriptions
- Perform screening tests
- Place eye drops and ointment into patients' eyes
- Use and maintain ophthalmic instruments and equipment
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required for some specialties to use optometric instruments.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Algebra
- Biology
- Geometry
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Optometric technicians normally work in optometric clinics.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of nine to 13 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in optometric procedures.
Course content typically includes:
- Maintenance of optometric instruments
- Preparing and fitting glasses and contact lenses
- Vision testing
Further training occurs on the job.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian optometric technicians work in private optometry offices, clinics, and government health agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military optometric technicians. Optometric technicians are also called optometric assistants.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 500 optometric technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After training, new technicians give simple vision tests under close supervision and perform office duties. As they gain experience, they work with less supervision and perform more difficult tasks. In time, they may help to manage optometric clinics.