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 (may request a waiver)
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.

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

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

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:

• 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
  
• Pay for continuing education and training

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education.