News Search

Can't see, can't fight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  In the middle of combat when explosions are going off and bullets are flying, service members have a plethora of things to worry about. The last thing they should have to worry about is their eye sight.

20th Aerospace Medical Squadron optometrists are trained medical professionals who help keep service members' and their families eye sight in good condition so they remain mission ready.

"Our mission as Air Force optometrists [technicians] is to provide high quality, primary care and vision research to support wartime readiness and to visually sustain combat capabilities in support of the aerospace mission," said Master Sgt. Ayinde Waleed, 20th AMDS NCO in charge of optometry.

Currently, the office has two doctors who are responsible for approximately 14,000 Tricare beneficiaries.

"It gets pretty busy in here with all the patients we have and the number of doctors," said Waleed. "But we've got some good Airmen and doctors so get we through."

The clinic provides routine eye exams, corrective lenses, gas mask inserts, and diagnostic exams for diabetes, glaucoma, and other optic related diseases.

The 20th AMDS not only provide routine eye care, but they are responsible for ensuring service members are fit to fight.

The clinic provides routine eye exams to active duty members, dependants, and beneficiaries with Tricare plans.

Active duty members are provided with frames, corrective lenses, and gas mask inserts.

Optometrists at the clinic provide exams for driver's licenses, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and other eye related problems.

Doctors may also update contact lens prescriptions for patients who wear contacts.

Air Force Instruction 48-123 prohibits deployed service members from wearing contact lenses. Therefore, whenever a contact-wearing service member receives orders, they have to report to optometry to get a pair of glasses.

"Service members who were to wear contacts while deployed would be at a higher risk to contract diseases," said Waleed

Whether deployed or at home vision plays a huge part in daily operations, without it, the mission wouldn't get done.

Airman 1st Class Nyasia Clark, 20th AMDS ophthalmic technician, is one of two Airmen who assist the doctors with patients.

She decided to become an optometrist assistant for the joy of helping her brothers and sisters in arms, and she recognizes that vision is a necessity to fulfilling the daily mission of the 20th FW.

"If service members can't see, they can't fight," said Waleed. "It's as simple as that. That's why our job is so important."