Paraoptometric education and training in the United States Air Force

The authors describe military optometry clinic personnel problems prior to 1971 which led to the creation of the Air Force Optometry Specialist/Technician career field. The optometry Specialist, whose civilian counterpart is the optometric assistant/technician, receives a highly intensive 9 week resident course at the USAF School of Health Care Sciences. Additional mandatory training is received on the job and by a career development course specifically designed for the Optometry Specialist. An optional 2-year program is also offered through the Community College of the Air Force.