Optometrist

ELIGIBILITY

• Must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school of optometry.
• Possess a current license to practice optometry in a state or the District of Columbia.
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be in good physical condition.
• Be of high moral character.
• Be able to meet current age requirements for commissioning

ASSIGNMENT

Optometrists are the primary eye care providers for all ocular/vision requirements. Each Air National Guard medical unit has a least one Optometrist position. Air National Guard units are located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Air National Guard medical units meet one weekend each month. In addition, members are required to perform, at a minimum, 15 days of paid active duty each year designated as annual training. However, commanders do have some scheduling flexibility. Your annual tour may be performed in various time combinations, and at various locations, including Air Force medical installations throughout the United States and abroad.

TRAINING

All newly commissioned medical officers are required to attend the Air Force Commissioned Officers Training Course (COTS) at Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery, Alabama for 4 weeks and 3 days. This course is designed to teach you about the military and what it means to be an officer in the United States Air Force, and a leader in today's Air National Guard. Another course open to Air Guard Optometrists is the ANG TOP EYE SCHOOL. This Program is designed to simulate real combat flying conditions for our eye care providers and includes flights in F-15 Aircraft.

MILITARY GRADE

Your military rank is determined by a combination of your education, training and experience.

MILITARY PAY

A combination of your rank and length of any prior military service will determine your pay.