Army Optometry

01/31/2026

From company to senior level command
—this photo says it all.

Army Optometry offers real, visible leadership opportunities, exemplified by COL Chan Webster (Commander, Public Health Command West), LTC Harris Abassi (Commander, Veterinary Readiness Command, Fort Hood) and CPT Megan Watters (Commander, 176th MED DET) at the 176th Medical Detachment Change of Command.

01/26/2026

📣 Calling All Optometry Residents! 👁✨

Have an interesting or unique clinical case? AFOS Resident Grand Rounds is looking for residents to present compelling cases and share clinical pearls with peers across federal service optometry.

🇺🇸 Seeking residence across all services
🩺 8–10 min presentations
🎤 Mentorship provided

This is your chance to build presentation skills, gain visibility, and contribute to resident education.

Submit your case on our website.

Tag a resident who should apply! 👇

12/18/2025

Vision = Readiness

Check out this article from Jason Christman regarding the expeditionary capabilities in Army Optometry.

Brief Summary:

Optometry detachments play a critical role in keeping Soldiers mission-ready. From rapid eyewear fabrication to in-theater eye injury care, timely vision services directly impact return-to-duty and operational effectiveness.

"Vision and Return to Duty: The Vital Role of Optometry Detachments in Pulse of Army Medicine"

https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Pulse-of-Army-Medicine/Archive/August-2025/Vision-and-Return-to-Duty/

Maj. Jason Christman and Col. Kenney Wells argue that mobile optometry detachments are critical to maintaining combat effectiveness in large-scale combat operations by providing in-theater eye care and glasses fabrication, thereby increasing return-to-duty rates and reducing evacuation burdens. They...

12/15/2025

The BAMC Optometry team completed the Norwegian Foot March.

Congratulations to MAJ Park and LTC Filpo on completing it for the second time. Proof that experience and a little extra age beat good judgment every time. The miles felt longer and the rucks felt heavier, but the determination was still there.

Rain made an appearance, because if it is not raining, you are not training.

Proof of this team’s grit, teamwork, and refusal to quit. BAMC Optometry delivered once again.

09/24/2025

Just wrapped up a great AFOS & SECO Goes West meeting!

Federal optometry was well represented with hands-on workshops, interactive poster sessions, and high-yield lectures that sparked great discussions and practical takeaways.

Events like this highlight the many opportunities available in federal optometry—from advanced clinical training and research to leadership and collaboration across the profession.

Proud to be part of a community that continues to push optometry forward!

08/21/2025

Optometry Students & Residents!

The AFOS SECO Meeting is coming to San Antonio, 10–14 SEP 2025!

High-impact CE
Network with federal ODs
Local + affordable (Hyatt Riverwalk gov’t rate $137/night)

Don’t miss this chance to learn & connect right here at home—tag your classmates and externs!

07/31/2025

Calling all federal optometrists, residents, and students!

Join us in San Antonio, TX for the AFOS & SECO 2025 Meeting

Dates: September 10–14, 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio, TX

Whether you're active duty, GS, retired, a federal resident, or student, this is your opportunity to connect, grow, and represent federal optometry on a national stage.

Register now: https://share.google/ChckodL6Z6RwlE4qv

Tag a colleague who should be there with you.

Prepare for a premier educational opportunity at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio and earn up to 37 OD CE hours!

06/25/2025

Today, LTC Kayla Snipes Vickers, a United States Army Optometrist, assumed command of the 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion. This is a tremendous milestone in her career and a proud moment for Army Medicine.

As a leader, clinician, and trailblazer, LTC Vickers brings a unique perspective to the battalion. She exemplifies the Army's commitment to excellence, readiness, and diversity in leadership. Her background as an optometrist strengthens the mission to recruit top-tier professionals to serve our nation.

We wish her continued success!

06/17/2025

Congratulations to LTC Christopher Alferez on assuming command of the Medical Readiness Battalion, Rhineland-Pfalz. A proud moment for Army Medicine and a major milestone for one of our own in Army Optometry. Wishing him continued success as he leads with excellence!

05/27/2025

Spring CE Success – Thank You!
We had a fantastic turnout at our recent Alamo Triservice Optometric Society Spring Continuing Education Event!

A special thank you to COL Frank Valentin, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, and CPT Megan Watters, Ocular Disease Resident, for delivering outstanding lectures and sharing their expertise with us.

We’re also grateful to our dedicated members and guests for their continued support and participation. It's your engagement that makes these events so impactful.

Enjoy a few snapshots from the event!

05/07/2025

Advancing Readiness & Excellence

Army Optometrists continue to lead from the front—on the battlefield, in the clinic, and at national forums.

Recent highlights include:

Promotions recognizing leadership and dedication Justin Pao

Formal recognition at the MHS Conference Jason Christman

Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) training to enhance operational readiness

Poster presentations advancing eye care through scholarly activities Jenae Thomas

Training with military and civilian Ophthalmologists to strengthen team based care Jasmin Isabel Filpo, MAJ Song Park

Achieving Board Certification, demonstrating clinical excellence at the American Academy of Optometry Nathan Keyes, Samantha Manzo, Megan Watters

Proud of the impact we make—every patient, every mission, every day.

02/10/2025

RAND Study Backs Comprehensive Eye Exams for Military Readiness 👀

A new RAND report confirms what we’ve all seen in clinic—basic acuity screenings are not always enough. The study found that comprehensive eye exams improve mission readiness by detecting conditions like glaucoma, keratoconus, retinal dystrophies, and TBI-related vision dysfunctions earlier, leading to better outcomes and cost savings in the long run. Read that again....cost savings.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Comprehensive exams are more effective than basic screenings.
✔️ Earlier detection means better treatment and lower long-term costs.
✔️ More frequent exams improve readiness, especially for high-visual-demand roles.

The takeaway? Expanding routine comprehensive eye exams across the force would improve care, reduce costs, and strengthen overall readiness.

In this study, the authors ascertain the costs and benefits of moving from the current visual acuity screening process for military service members to comprehensive eye examinations intended to detect a wider range of visual dysfunctions.