Military Optometry from World War I to the Present An Overview

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AFOS members tour the USS Bremerton submarine while gathered at the AOA Congress in 1990 in Honolulu, HI.
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Published: Jul 21, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14434/hindsight.v51i3.31044
Keywords:
military optometry, optometry history, commissioning, scope of practice, pharmaceutical agents, humanitarian mission, US Army Aviation Research Laboratory
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W. Howard McAlister, OD, MA, MPH
Jeffrey L. Weaver, OD, MBA, MS
Jerry D. Davis, O.D., M.S.
Jeffrey A. Newsom, OD

Abstract

Optometry has made significant contributions to the United States military for over a century. Assuring good vision and eye health of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines is critical to maximizing the military functions necessary to achieve victory. There was little organization or recognition of the profession in World War I, but optometrists were essential in achieving the mission. Recognition of the profession of optometry was still limited in World War II but it was improving, especially with commissioning as officers occurring in the Navy. Through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, optometry grew in stature and strength with all services eventually commissioning all optometrists, and Army optometrists were assigned to combat divisions. Continuing through the more recent conflicts in the middle east, the profession has continued to make an impact and has become an essential part of the armed forces of the United States. Doctors of optometry are now an integral part of the Department of Defense. The nation cannot field an effective fighting force today without the dedicated performance of these officers.

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How to Cite
McAlister, W. H., Weaver, J. L., Davis, J. D., & Newsom, J. A. (2021). Military Optometry from World War I to the Present: An Overview. Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History, 52(1), 4–8. https://doi.org/10.14434/hindsight.v51i3.31044
Author Biographies

W. Howard McAlister, OD, MA, MPH

W. Howard McAlister, OD, MA, MPH is adjunct professor at Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word. He received his undergraduate and OD degrees from the Ohio State University. Also, he holds a MPH from University of Illinois and MA degrees in both health services management and international relations from Webster University.  He retired after 34 years on faculty of both Illinois College of Optometry and the College of Optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  Col. McAlister retired after 31 years of service in active and reserve components of the US Army and US Air Force. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and diplomate in the Section on Public Health and Environmental Vision.  He is past chair of that section.    

Jeffrey L. Weaver, OD, MBA, MS

Jeffrey L. Weaver, OD, MBA, MS, is Associate Chief of Staff for Education and a Supervisory Optometrist at the Veterans Administration Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, TX.  He is also Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry and in group private family practice in St. Louis.  He is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Optometry and The Ohio State University.
He had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserve as a clinical optometrist, healthcare administrator, researcher, instructor, commander and specialty chief of service.  He retired as a Colonel and a Legion of Merit recipient.  He is currently Chair of the American Academy of Optometry’s Section on Public Health and Environmental Vision.

Jerry D. Davis, O.D., M.S.

Jerry D. Davis, OD, MS is retired living in San Antonio, Texas, is a 1968 and 70 graduate of Pacific University and Pacific University College of Optometry as well as a 1983 MS degree in Clinical Optometry Management also from Pacific.

After 30 years of continuous active duty in the US Army, Colonel Davis retired after serving as a clinical optometrist, company commander, vision conservation optometrist, instructor at the Army Academy of Health Sciences, Optometry Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, Assistant Chief of the Army Medical Service Corps, and a final assignment as Deputy Chief of the Army Medical Service Corps.

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