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Optometric Technicians

Optometry, or vision care, is one of the many health benefits available to military personnel. The military operates its own clinics to examine eyes and fit glasses or contact lenses.

Optometric technicians assist optometrists in providing vision care.

What They Do:

Optometric technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

Use and maintain ophthalmic instruments and equipment
Perform screening tests
Order eyeglasses and contact lenses from prescriptions
Fit eyeglasses to patients
Make minor repairs to glasses
Place eye drops and ointment into patients' eyes
Keep records in optometry offices

Training Provided:

Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in optometric procedures. Further training occurs on the job. Course content typically includes:

Preparing and fitting glasses and contact lenses
Vision testing
Maintenance of optometric instruments

Work Environment:

Optometric technicians normally work in optometric clinics.

Civilian Counterparts:

Civilian optometric technicians work in private optometry offices, clinics, and government health agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military optometric technicians. Optometric technicians are also called optometric assistants.

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