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Optometry careers rarely follow a straight line. During a recent episode of the OD’ing on movies podcast, Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson welcomed Dr. Brian Sturgill to discuss the cult classic movie Predator, but the conversation quickly evolved into something much deeper: military service, traumatic brain injury care, entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career in optometry.
The episode blended humor, movies, and real-world insight while highlighting how diverse the profession of optometry can truly become.
Key Takeaways
- Military optometry can provide unique career opportunities while helping offset student loan debt.
- Rural optometry often allows doctors to practice at the highest level of patient care.
- Traumatic brain injury care is becoming an increasingly important niche within eye care.
What Is Military Optometry?
Military optometry involves providing vision care and eye health services to active-duty service members, veterans, and specialized military teams. Optometrists may work in clinical care, emergency eye care, concussion management, and rehabilitation settings.
Dr. Sturgill shared his experience serving in the Air Force after graduating from optometry school. Initially hesitant about military service, he later realized the opportunity could help reduce the financial burden of school while providing valuable clinical experience.
He explained that the application process was highly competitive and required interviews, physical examinations, and extensive paperwork. Ultimately, the experience helped shape both his professional and personal growth.
“I’m really proud of it,” Dr. Sturgill said while reflecting on his time in the Air Force.
For optometry students facing significant educational debt, military optometry remains an important pathway worth exploring.
Why Rural Optometry Still Matters
One of the most valuable parts of the conversation centered around practicing in underserved communities.
Before transitioning into direct care and medical-legal work, Dr. Sturgill practiced in multiple rural Arizona locations through retail subleases. According to the hosts, rural optometry often provides broader clinical exposure than many urban settings.
Patients in smaller communities frequently rely heavily on their local optometrist, creating opportunities for doctors to diagnose and manage a wide range of ocular and systemic conditions.
Dr. Jacob Wilson emphasized that rural patients are often incredibly appreciative of the care they receive. That gratitude can strengthen doctor-patient relationships and improve long-term patient trust.
The discussion also reinforced an important reality for young optometrists: career satisfaction is not always tied to practicing in a large city or glamorous market.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Affect Vision
One of the most educational portions of the episode focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their impact on the visual system.
Dr. Sturgill described how patients with TBIs may experience symptoms including:
- Double vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Light sensitivity
- Convergence insufficiency
- Oculomotor dysfunction
In many cases, MRI imaging may appear normal despite significant visual complaints.
This creates a critical role for optometrists within multidisciplinary care teams involving neurologists, pain management specialists, and rehabilitation providers.
Dr. Sturgill discussed one patient who suffered a seemingly minor whiplash injury after being rear-ended in a car accident. Despite limited visible trauma, the patient had severe convergence dysfunction that significantly impacted daily life.
The case highlights how subtle visual disruptions can dramatically affect a patient’s ability to work, drive, read, and function normally.
Why Optometrists Play a Bigger Role in Healthcare
The episode repeatedly reinforced how optometry continues to expand beyond routine vision correction.
Whether managing concussion patients, practicing in rural communities, or participating in military healthcare systems, optometrists are increasingly becoming essential members of collaborative healthcare teams.
Dr. Sturgill also discussed how his career expanded beyond clinical practice into real estate investing and entrepreneurship. His journey demonstrated that optometrists can build careers that combine healthcare, business, leadership, and lifestyle flexibility.
The conversation served as a reminder that there is no single blueprint for success in optometry.
Final Thoughts
Although the episode began as a discussion about Predator, the larger theme became clear: adaptability matters.
Optometrists today have opportunities to serve patients in ways that extend far beyond the exam lane. From military service to concussion care to entrepreneurship, the profession continues to evolve for those willing to pursue new challenges.
As Dr. Sturgill shared near the end of the episode, young optometrists should focus on “being part of the solution” and finding ways to improve the profession for future generations.
The future of optometry will belong to doctors who combine clinical excellence, leadership, and a willingness to grow beyond traditional expectations.
The blueprint is already there. The question is how the next generation of optometrists will build upon it
