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Optometrist

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Optometrist - 67F


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Officer
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

Optometrists treat any type of disease, injury and disorder of the eyes and its associated structures. As an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll have access to the latest treatments and drug therapies in order to provide for your patients.

Job Duties

  • Supervises medication, rehabilitation, therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses and certain surgical procedures
  • Counsels patients regarding surgical and nonsurgical options
  • Provides initial diagnosis and management of eye injuries on the battlefield

    • Requirements

    Active Duty

  • Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited program acceptable to the Surgeon General
  • Current license to practice optometry in the U.S.
  • Must be between 21 and 42 years of age
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
    • Army Reserve
  • In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  • Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver, Locate A Recruiter for more information)

    • Training

    Job training for medical service corps officers includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

    Helpful Skills

  • Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  • Perform under stress
  • Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  • Tremendous concentration

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

    Active Duty
    In addition to the many privileges that come from being on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll also be rewarded with:

  • May receive pay for continuing education
  • Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  • Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)
    • Army Reserve
  • Health Professionals Special Pay
  • Health Care Professionals Loan Repayment, which can be applied to qualifying optometry school loans
  • May receive pay for continuing education and training

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.