Optometrists
Army experience examining eyes, managing ocular disease and prescribing corrective lenses directly aligns with civilian optometric patient care.
How to prepare: Contact the licensing board in your intended state to review your education, examination record and current license status against its requirements. All states require an accredited O.D. degree, completion of qualifying examinations and licensure, with some requiring additional examinations; continuing education and periodic renewal are also required.
What the civilian work involves
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.