Explore Careers

Optometrists

Health Science

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

Optometrists work in clinics and hospitals.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $88,823

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $28,603 - $247,184

Overview

Optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams, during which they check patients’ eyes for common eye diseases, assess how their eyes work together as a team, and evaluate their eyes as an indicator of their overall health. They also provide vision correction through vision training, glasses, or contact lenses. They see service members of all ages and stages of vision development and degeneration, and refer patients with eye diseases to ophthalmologists.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for optometrists primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers working in healthcare they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities orientation to military structure healthcare and etiquette traditions and leadership development.

Helpful Attributes

  • Desire to help others
  • Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
  • Preference for working closely with people

Related Civilian Careers

  • Ophthalmic Medical Technologists