Optometrist
Overview:
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Optometrists treat any type of disease, injury and disorder of the eyes and its associated structures. As an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll have access to the latest treatments and drug therapies in order to provide for your patients.
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Job Duties
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Supervises medication, rehabilitation, therapy, spectacle lenses, contact lenses and certain surgical procedures
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Counsels patients regarding surgical and nonsurgical options
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Provides initial diagnosis and management of eye injuries on the battlefield
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Requirements:
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Active Duty
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Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited program acceptable to the Surgeon General
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Current license to practice optometry in the U.S.
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Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (waivers available)
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Must be a U.S. citizen
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Training:
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Job training for medical service corps officers includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.
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Helpful Skills:
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Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
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Perform under stress
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Apply critical technical and thinking skills
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Tremendous concentration
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Compensation:
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In addition to your annual salary and the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you'll be rewarded with:​
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30 days of paid vacation earned annually
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Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
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No cost or low cost medical and dental care for you and your family
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Board Certification Pay of $6,000 per year (prorated monthly)
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Health Professional Incentive Pay of up to $1,200 per year (prorated monthly)
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Health Professional Student Loan Repayment of $20,000 per year up to a maximum of $60,000
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Officers enjoy commissary and post exchange shopping privileges; a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k); may receive pay for continuing education; and specialized training to become a leader in their field.