A midshipman walks into a clinic with thick glasses. A few months later, they are cleared to fly a high-performance aircraft. Behind that change is a clinician who understands both vision care and what is at stake. This spotlight highlights Dr. David Byman, a Navy optometrist whose work supports the readiness of future military officers.

 

Meet Dr. David Byman, Navy Optometrist 

Dr. David Byman is an optometrist who served at Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, where he supported the vision readiness of midshipmen preparing for military service. 

In his role, he was involved in screening candidates for refractive procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), as well as providing post-operative care. 

According to him, each year about a third of the graduating class undergoes these procedures. By reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, these surgeries help midshipmen meet vision standards and perform more effectively in their roles. 

That is exactly what his work was designed to support. Keeping vision from getting in the way of service.

 

Vision Ready Is Mission Ready 

For Dr. Byman, optometry goes beyond clinical care. It plays a direct role in preparing service members for the demands of military life. 

“One of the mottos of Navy Optometry is ‘Vision Ready is Mission Ready.’ So, in a very real sense, I am advancing the mission of the readiness of the fleet by serving here,” Dr. Byman said. 

His work creates impact in several ways: 

• Improves performance in the field by reducing the need for glasses or contacts 

• Builds confidence and independence in demanding environments 

• Supports readiness across the fleet over the long term 

• Expands career options for midshipmen 

“For some of them, it opens up career fields like pilots that would have otherwise been closed to them. And it’s my job to screen them for surgery and to provide post-operative care.” 

The results are often immediate and measurable. 

“So really, one of the most satisfying aspects of my job is seeing someone who came to the academy with thick glasses. And then after refractive surgery, they’re qualified to fly high performance aircraft. And it’s really satisfying knowing that I had a part in that.”

 

From Midshipman to Mission Support 

His connection to this work runs deep. Dr. Byman’s story with the Naval Academy began long before he joined the staff. 

“I actually graduated from the Naval Academy many years ago, so it’s like coming full circle.” 

In a very real way, he has walked the same halls and faced the same expectations. That shared experience helps him connect with the midshipmen in his care and understand what they are working toward. 

“I can see a little bit of myself in the midshipmen that I care for, because they’re the future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps. And it’s really satisfying to play a small part in preparing them for their careers.” 

That perspective shapes how he approaches his work. He brings both technical expertise and a genuine investment in the people he serves.

 

Maintaining Readiness Through Disruption 

Dr. Byman’s level of commitment did not change when new challenges emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic created shifts across military healthcare, including delays in routine care and changing operational demands. At the Naval Academy, the mission did not pause. 

“COVID has definitely forced us to be more creative in how we manage patients, especially in the spring when the pandemic began, because our mission remained the same.” 

As the Academy moved to virtual learning, clinical priorities shifted. While fewer midshipmen were physically present, operational forces still required care. Services could not shut down. 

Dr. Byman explains that their focus moved toward urgent care and sustaining readiness during uncertainty. At the same time, planning became critical. 

Even with a reduced patient load, he worked closely with leadership to prepare for what came next. This included developing a clear plan to meet the needs of 4,000 midshipmen returning to campus. 

“But even though my patient load wasn’t as full, I still was able to keep busy by helping my department head plan for how we would meet the mission requirements of the 4,000 midshipmen when they did return to campus, and all while finding ways to remain COVID-safe.” 

This preparation allowed the clinic to respond quickly once normal operations resumed, helping restore full readiness without delay.

 

Supported to Focus on the Mission 

Delivering consistent care in a military setting requires more than clinical skill. It also depends on having the right support in place. 

For Dr. Byman, working with Matrix Providers was part of that experience, helping ensure he could stay focused on patient care and mission demands during his time in the role. 

“I would definitely recommend Matrix Providers for anyone who’s looking for a position, and Matrix Providers has been good to me. They’ve provided excellent support, and I’m quite happy to work with them.” 

This kind of support allows providers to focus on what matters most. Delivering care that directly contributes to military readiness.

 

Explore Federal Healthcare Opportunities That Make an Impact 

If you are a healthcare professional looking for meaningful work, federal healthcare settings offer a unique opportunity to serve those who serve. 

Roles within military treatment facilities and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) systems allow you to: 

• Work in structured, mission-driven environments 

• Support Active-Duty Service Members, veterans, and their families 

• Build a stable, purpose-driven career 

Matrix Providers connects clinicians with opportunities across the country in federal healthcare facilities. 

If you are ready to take the next step, explore available roles and see where your experience can make a difference.