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Medical · Army career profile

68H Optical Laboratory Specialist

As an Optical Laboratory Specialist, you’ll read prescriptions and use advanced equipment to shape, coat, and assemble eyewear for Soldiers. You’ll maintain equipment and ensure troops have the precision eyewear they need to stay mission-ready.

ASVABGM 98
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsModerate
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As an Optical Laboratory Specialist, you’ll read prescriptions and use advanced equipment to shape, coat, and assemble eyewear for Soldiers.
  • You’ll maintain equipment and ensure troops have the precision eyewear they need to stay mission-ready.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Ophthalmology & Ocular HealthLaboratory Supply & AdministrationMaintenance & RepairsHigh attention to detail (tinkerer)Ability to work with detailed plans and proceduresWorking with hands

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 3–12 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (23 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Health Sciences
  • Allied Health

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 68H experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Optical Assistant

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Optical Assistant jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Optometry Laboratory Technician

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Optometry Laboratory Technician jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Medical Assistant

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Medical Assistant jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

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