Ellsworth Optometry Office in Focus

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Ellsworth AFB optometry office is responsible for the care of 3,100 active duty Airmen ensuring they’re fit to deploy.

"Optometry delivers readiness-focused routine ocular health examinations, as well as accomplishes any occupational requirements and retraining physicals," said Maj. Matthews 28th Medical Group optometrist. "The optometry clinic also provides acute care appointments and supports the aircrew soft contact lens program and the corneal refractive surgery program."

Each job or Air Force Specialty Code within the Air Force has its own qualifications, and that can often include vision standards.

“[We’re] involved in making sure that people are meeting their occupational requirements because we have some very specific demands,” Matthews states while explaining the Air Force Optometry motto, “can't see them, can't shoot them.”

A typical optometry appointment starts with filling out a patient history sheet about their health history. Next, an optometry technician will perform preliminary tests, which include checking visual acuity, eye pressure, pupils, corneal curvature, and assess the patient's eye alignment and muscle function The technician will also examine the patient's peripheral vision and get an initial measurement of their prescription.

These diagnostics are documented and given to the optometrist and the patient will continue their care with Matthews where she will ensure the patient's vision meets occupational standards. Matthews will examine the front and back health of the eye looking for potential pathology. Lastly, Matthews will update the patient's prescription, and the patient will be able to order any necessary equipment, whether it be gas mask inserts, ballistic inserts, or glasses.

January is National Eye Care Month, and it serves as "a yearly reminder for people to schedule their routine eye exam," Matthews emphasized. As the month draws to a close, the 28th Medical Group optometry clinic would like to leave you with the following tips to maintain healthy eyesight.

Wear sunglasses, abstain from smoking, and manage any systemic diseases that might have effects on your vision.

“[Another] general recommendation is [to] take regular breaks when you're working up close for extended periods of time,” stated Matthews. “We call it the 20-20-20 rule, so for every 20 minutes in your work, take a break, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, or just close your eyes. It allows the accommodative system or the focusing system that you use to see up close to take a break.”