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AFSC 42E4, Staff
AFSC 42E3, Qualified
AFSC 42E1, Entry

Specialty Summary. Examines eyes with instrumentation and observation to determine visual efficiency and performance. Prescribes corrective procedures. Applies knowledge of optics and physiology to research and teaching activities. Related DoD Occupation Group: 6H.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Examines eyes and vision. With or without the use of diagnostic drugs, examines eye for presence or absence of defects or visual anomalies that can be corrected, remedied, or relieved by using lenses, prisms, orthopedics, contact lenses, or other ophthalmic devices. Performs external and internal examination of eyes and refers pathology to medical specialties. Determines refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, and prescribes treatment for these and other visual problems. Ascertains, range of vision and ability and ease with which eyes maintain clear, comfortable, binocular vision at any distance of fixation.

Prescribes treatment. Prescribes lenses to correct errors of refraction. Prescribes and administers orthoptic or visual training when indicated, as in ocular muscle imbalances, fusional problems, and as an adjunct in treatment of strabismus. Prescribes selected medications when specifically credentialed. Examines and tests lenses for proper workmanship and conformance to prescription.

Conducts research. Plans and conducts research in areas of clinical optometry and physiological optics, such as physical standards, protective and corrective eye wear, examining methods and techniques, and perceptual problems associated with aeronautics and space flight.

Directs optometry activities. Observes and reviews performance of technicians to determine compliance with procedures governing optometric activities. Instructs optometry technicians in local operational procedures, and in use and maintenance of ophthalmic instruments.

Plans and directs occupational vision programs. Plans, supervises, and participates in eye protection programs according to AFIs 41-115, Authorized Health Care and Health Care Benefits in the Military Health Services System (MHSS) and AFI 44-117, Ophthalmic Services. Participates in identifying eye hazardous areas and occupations, and supervises visual screening of personnel in such areas. Arranges for professional services, procurement, and dispensing of safety eye wear for military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of visual science and ability to apply education and professional insights to the care of patients in their visual adaptation to their environments.

Education. For entry into this specialty, graduation from a college of optometry approved by the Surgeon General, HQ USAF, is mandatory.

Training. None.

Experience. For award of AFSC 42E3, a minimum of 24 months of experience in optometry assignments is mandatory. Experience must include conducting eye examinations to determine presence of visual defects; prescribing lenses and orthoptic therapy to correct, conserve, or improve vision; and examining and testing compliance to acceptable standards and conformance to prescription.

Other. For award and retention of AFSCs 42E3, a State license to practice optometry is mandatory.

Specialty Shredouts:

None

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Above Information Derived from AFMAN 36-2105