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2020 ‘The Year of Air Force Optometry’

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Newsom
  • 21st Medical Group
Air Force optometry came into existence around the same time the Air Force Medical Service stood up on July 1, 1949, and has been caring for the vision of aviators and warfighters ever since. During World War II, enlisted hospital corpsmen without any formal training were providing limited vision care using crude equipment. However, between 1950 and 1960, the Air Force saw great improvements, both in the type and quality of equipment available for optometry services, and commissioned optometrists were added to the Medical Service Corps.

In 1965, Air Force optometry became part of the newly established Biomedical Sciences Corps, and by the late 1960s achieved its end strength of 170 fully trained active duty doctors of optometry, providing for the visual welfare of more than 900,000 active duty Airmen.

Today, the Air Force optometry team, an optometrist supported by ophthalmic technicians, applies extensive knowledge of unique Air Force operating environments to prescribe precision optical devices designed to enhance performance, survivability and lethality of Airmen. The 142 optometrists and 236 ophthalmic technicians in the Air Force provide care for 2.6 million active duty, dependent and retiree beneficiaries around the globe.

For 70 years, Air Force optometry has blazed a trail that has led to incredible contributions in vision research, treatment and protection. Thanks to the tireless dedication of eye care specialists, both past and present, Air Force optometry has been and will continue to be at the forefront of vision readiness and medical innovations.

“As we begin calendar year 2020, ‘The Year of Optometry’, we hope that you will make your eye health and vision care a priority and ensure that your vision is 20/20 or better!,” said Col. Christine Stabile, Air Force Surgeon General Optometry consultant, speaking to beneficiaries. “An eye exam is the simplest step you can take to protect your vision and to make sure that you are always fit to fight.”

Active duty members can contact their appointment line or visit their TRICARE or MHS GENESIS portal to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with their military optometry clinic. Non-active duty beneficiaries can check with their military optometry clinic for availability of appointments or contact a local civilian optometry clinic that accepts TRICARE. Dependents of active duty enrolled in TRICARE Prime are eligible for one exam per year. Retirees and their dependents are eligible for comprehensive eye exam every two years.