New graduates and experienced practitioners can receive a direct commission, entering active duty as Captains. Scholarship students are commissioned Second Lieutenants and spend 45 days on active duty each summer in an orientation and training program. Upon graduation, these optometrists are commissioned as Captains and assigned to an Air Force medical treatment facility. These students examine and treat patients under the direct supervision of Air Force optometrists. Air Force recruiting also benefits from this training program.
Vision plays a vital role in our everyday lives.
The Air Force optometrist, an invaluable member of the health care team, is a guardian of this precious gift. Air Force Optometry is a very cost efficient health care service. Its contributions during peacetime and war, to readiness and humanitarian missions, are critical to military operations. Air Force optometrists will continue to serve the country, military patients, and the profession with distinction and honor. Air Force optometrists care for the eyes of Air Force people who fly, as well as the eyes of those who support the flying mission.