Technical professional information is available from the advisor to the Consultant for recruiting and retention for Army Optometry. Please click here for questions on joining Army optometry.

Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Recruiters can also answer your initial questions. You can call toll free 1-800-USA-ARMY or find them on the web at http://www.goarmy.com/findrecr/index.htm. Be sure to select "Army Health Care Professional Recruiting" as you begin your search.

OUR NEED

The U.S. Army Medical Department has a continuing need for qualified Doctors of Optometry to satisfy mission requirements worldwide. Army Optometrists are the primary eye and vision care providers on the Army Health Care Team. As primary care providers, they routinely interact with health care professionals in other disciplines. Army Optometrists are afforded the opportunity to practice in settings ranging from purely clinical practice to operational assignments in Army field units and/or hospitals. Optometrists can also take on less traditional roles in aeromedical visual science research, telemedicine, residency training, vision conservation and readiness, optical fabrication laboratory management, teaching or program development. Additional opportunities to participate in humanitarian relief and assistance visits to foreign countries are also available. At the more senior levels, optometrists serve as consultants in a staff capacity for vision conservation and readiness, managed care, program management, at the Department of the Army and Department of Defense levels.

ELIGIBILITY

For appointment as an Optometrist in the Medical Service Corps of the US Army, you must:

• Have a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a school or college of optometry acceptable to The Surgeon General.
• Have a current, full and unrestricted license to practice Optometry in the United States, U.S. territories or the District of Columbia
• Be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent immigrant visa.
• Meet medical fitness, age and security requirements for appointment as an officer in the United States Army.

OPTOMETRY STUDENT PROGRAM

Each year, the Army has several two, three, and four year Health Profession Scholarships (HPSP program) for new and continuing optometry students. The scholarships cover full tuition, fees, and books, as well as providing a generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Students will incur a three or four year active duty service obligation as an Army optometrist following graduation. The HPSP program is a popular way to fully finance an optometric education. Contact your local health professions recruiter or CPT Gregory for details.

LENGTH OF INITIAL TOUR ON ACTIVE DUTY

The minimum term service for direct appointment, including the Officer Basic Course, is 36 months beginning with your entry on active duty. ROTC or HPSP scholarship students may incur a longer active duty service obligation, depending on the length of the scholarship.

ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments are available in over 70 locations in the United States and overseas. Assignments vary according to the needs to the Army, the officer's level of training and experience, and the preferences of the individual officer. New optometry officers will usually work under the guidance and supervision of a more experienced optometrist. The officer's level of responsibility will increase with experience, education and rank. Geographic areas in which one could be assigned include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Japan or Korea. The Health Services Division of the Total Army Personnel Command works closely with the Chief of Optometry to make all assignments.

RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Optometrists entering the Army may apply to enter an Army Optometry Residency Program immediately upon entering active duty (or later in their career, if they desire). Residency programs are currently available at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX (2 positions) and at The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY (1 position).

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Optometry officers are encouraged to keep current with advances in their field and to broaden their professional knowledge and skills through appropriate civilian and military education. They attend professional meetings related to their field and are encouraged to maintain membership and active participation in their professional organizations. They attend courses, workshops or seminars related to their specialty or they may apply for long-term health education and training to obtain additional postgraduate degrees. Optometry officers are also required to attend military courses of varying length to broaden their knowledge of military subjects. The Army pays the expenses and fees of the optometrists who attend these career enhancing conferences, schools, and programs.

MILITARY RANK AND PAY

• Entry pay grade is determined by educational degree, work experience and prior active commissioned service
• Generally, candidates are assessed in the grade of Captain (O-3)
• Pay grade and length of service determine salary
• Automatic longevity pay raises at two, three, and four years, and at regular intervals thereafter
• Traditionally receive 3.1% annual increase to basic pay rates
• Tax-exempt subsistence and housing allowances
• Optometry Special Pay
• Board Certification Pay for FAAO
• Entry level pay is ~ $51,526
• Pay after four years is ~ $63,624

NEW OPTOMETRISTS

New optometrists who have no scholarship (ROTC or HPSP) service obligation are eligible for the newly implemented Optometry Retention Bonus. The bonus pays $6,000 per year, and incurs a two-year service commitment. This bonus is in addition to optometry special pay (all OD's) and board certification pay (Fellows in the American Academy of Optometry).

RETIREMENT

A generous retirement program is available after twenty years of active service. Additionally, retirees and eligible family members, continue their health services, Post Exchange and commissary privileges.

INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

• Health Profession Scholarship Program - provides one to four-year scholarships plus a stipend as a Second Lieutenant to qualifying students. Annual value is approximately $38,000. See your Army Health Care Recruiter for details.
• Optometry Special Pay
• Board Certification Pay for FAAO
• Optometry Retention Bonus after completion of initial HPSP or ROTC commitment
• Fully funded Long Term Health Education and Training programs
  • Military residency programs (one year program)
  • Fellowship/MBA programs (two year program)
  • Ph.D. in Physiologic Optics (three year program)

BENEFITS