Optometrists
Background
Eye care is part of the full health coverage provided to military personnel. The most common eye problem is the need for corrective lenses. Optometrists refer patients with eye diseases to ophthalmologists (eye medical doctors). Optometrists examine eyes and treat vision problems by prescribing glasses or contact lenses.
What They Do
Optometrists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Check patient vision using eye charts
- Examine eyes for glaucoma and other diseases
- Instruct patients on how to wear and care for glasses and contact lenses
- Measure patient nearsightedness, farsightedness, depth perception, and other vision problems using optical instruments
- Prescribe corrective lenses or other corrective treatments
- Prescribe training exercises to strengthen weak eye muscles
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A doctor of optometry degree and a state license to practice optometry are required to enter this career.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Desire to help others
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
- Preference for working closely with people
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Optometrists work in clinics and hospitals.
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 officers.
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
No initial job training is provided to officers in this career.
Civilian Counterparts
Most civilian optometrists work in private practice. Some work for hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, or optical laboratories. Civilian optometrists perform duties similar to those performed in the military.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 400 optometrists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new optometrists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. Newly commissioned optometrists are assigned to clinics or hospitals. In time, they may advance to senior management positions in the health service field.