For Educators: Military Resources
Military Ophthalmologists
Median Salary
135,043
Workforce Count
2,272
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Ophthalmologists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, or abnormalities of the eye. They assess visual and refractive status, measure intraocular pressure, and examine the physical structure of the eye. They prescribe and administer treatments including the use of corrective appliances, and various ocular and systemic medications. They also perform surgery to treat disease and correct visual deficiencies, including laser surgery.
What is the work environment like?
Ophthalmologists work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships.
How many people have this role in the Military?
2,272
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$170,651
2 Years
$136,059
6 Years
$170,651
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for ophthalmologists primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for an obligated period of military service. Qualifying students benefit through unique training experiences and get to attend certain military short courses designed to develop tactical, technical and operational skills unique to the military environment. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety/TeamSTEPPS® Essentials and Fundamentals
- Mishap Investigation and Prevention
- Operational Aeromedical Problems
- Senior Leadership
- Joint Operations Medical Management
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test