GLENDALE, Ariz.—The Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) at Midwestern University announced last week that it has entered into an affiliation agreement with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) to create a new military optometric residency program. The one-year residency program, which is scheduled for a July 1 start, will provide educational opportunities to active-duty optometrists from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, emphasizing ocular disease, vision rehabilitation and primary care. The residency will be located at the Walter Reed campus, with Midwestern University and AZCOPT providing oversight and assisting with the accreditation process.

Joshua Baker, OD, MS, Dean of the Arizona College of Optometry, is a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star winner. He said in the announcement that the opportunity to partner with the WRNMMC represents “a welcome opportunity for him and for AZCOPT.”

Baker added, "The military medical mission is uniquely challenging in its clinical complexity, its need to be deployable to far forward locations, and the necessity for success under difficult circumstances. At Midwestern University and AZCOPT, we feel a deep sense of pride to contribute even in a small way to that mission. Every member of our program, faculty, staff, students and alumni is thrilled for this opportunity to be a part of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center team."

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation's largest and most renowned military medical centers. WRNMMC is comprised of nearly 7,100 dedicated staff members who serve military families and America's active duty and veteran soldiers, as well as those in national leadership, according to the Midwestern University announcement last week.