Whether they’re tracking submarines on radar, hunting explosive ordnance underwater, or launching a jet on the deck of an aircraft carrier, Sailors have to be perfectly focused on the task at hand. To do that, they need to be able to fully rely on their senses, or else their work is compromised. That’s why the Navy hires expert Optometrists who maintain the vision health of Navy Sailors and their families. From performing routine exams to specialized procedures, you help keep Sailors functioning at their best.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
As an Optometrist and Officer in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you will serve the routine and acute eye-care needs of military personnel, their families, and those in need around the globe. Your duties may include:
Refractive services, such as refractive surgery and prescribing spectacles or contact lenses
Ocular pathology treatment
Surgical co-management
Subspecialty focuses such as low vision, traumatic brain injury rehab, specialty contact lenses, and more
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Opportunities for further education within this platform include:
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Navy Tuition Assistance Program
Navy College Program
VOLED Assistance Center
VOLED Region Advisors
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
Navy War College (NWC)
USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
Through the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) and Navy Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to pay down the cost of your graduate education. Offers have many variables. To get details and find out which offer would benefit you most, request that a Navy Officer Recruiter contact you.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. Citizen between the ages of 21 and 41
Currently licensed and practicing in the U.S. (new graduates must obtain a license within one year of beginning Active Duty service)
Graduate of an approved school
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before, or whether you’ve never served before.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
As a Reserve Optometrist Officer, you’ll receive a first-rate benefits package including your choice of either $50,000 per year in specialty pay, up to $250,000 in medical school loan repayment assistance, or an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of up to $10,000. Reservists joining the Navy as residents can get up to $250,000 in school loan repayment assistance as well as a monthly stipend, dependent upon service commitment.
Serving part-time as a Reserve Officer, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Optometrists in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
