Opticians (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Opticians are highly skilled eye care professionals who undergo rigorous and extensive training. They design and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and prosthetic ocular devices for customers. They assist with frame selection and manage clinic offices and may perform diagnostic tests.
Training Provided
Opticians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience.
- Preparing and fitting glasses and contact lenses
- Vision testing
- Maintenance of optometric instruments
- Patient care
- Knowledge of ophthalmic optics, ocular anatomy, and physiology
- Comprehension of optical laboratory supply and administration
- Understanding of optical laboratory procedures
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2023, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($23,011/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($30,042/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Navy