Dr. Jeffrey J. Autrey is the Acting Deputy Director, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Dr. Autrey serves as a senior advisor to the USAFSAM Commander and is responsible for the planning and operations for more than 1,100 military, civilian and contract personnel across six departments. In addition, he orchestrates Defense Health Plan strategic alliances and collaborations with top-tier universities and medical centers.
USAFSAM is the premier institute for education and worldwide operational consultation for the Aerospace and Operational Medicine Enterprise (AOME). The AOME encompasses the areas of Aerospace Medicine, Aeromedical Evacuation, Occupational and Environmental Health, and Public Health and Preventive Medicine. USAFSAM trains 5,000 Department of War, international, and civilian students and performs 26,000 operational consultations across the AOME.
Dr. Autrey served more than 23 years in the Air Force, as an optometrist and commander. He earned his bachelor’s and Doctor of Optometry degrees prior to a direct commission to the Air Force. Dr. Autrey worked as a clinical optometrist, patient safety champion, Biomedical Sciences Corps executive, major command optometry consultant, program manager, detachment commander, aerospace medicine squadron commander, medical squadron commander, deputy director of a science and technology directorate, and Wing acting vice director. He also served as the president of the Armed Forces Optometric Society and volunteered for five humanitarian support missions providing eye care to remote locations in Haiti, Alaska, and El Salvador. After retiring, Dr. Autrey accepted a civil service position within USAFSAM as the Executive Director. He is a certified acquisition professional level 3 in engineering and technical management.
EDUCATION
1996 Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Neb.
2000 Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, Tenn.
2004 Squadron Officer School (Correspondence/Residence), Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2004 American Academy of Optometry Fellowship
2007 Air Command and Staff College (Correspondence), Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2008 Air Force Optometry Residency Program, Wilford Hall, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
2008 Army Flight Surgeon Primary Course, Fort Rucker, Ala.
2015 Air War College (Correspondence), Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2022 Engineering & Technical Management Acquisition Practitioner Certified Level 3
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
1. August 2000 - August 2002, Optometry Flight Deputy Commander, Sheppard AFB, Texas
2. August 2002 - August 2005, Optometry Flight Deputy Commander, Spangdahlem AFB, Germany
3. August 2005 – July 2007, Chief, Cadet Optometry, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
4. July 2007 – June 2008, Resident, USAF Optometry Residency Program, San Antonio, Texas
5. June 2008 – July 2012, Optometry Flight Commander, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
6. July 2012 – July 2014, Program Manager, Tri-Service Vision Conservation and Readiness, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
7. July 2014 – June 2017, Commander, Detachment 5, 711th Human Performance Wing & Deputy Chief, Bioeffects Division, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft Sam Houston, Texas
8. June 2017 – June 2019, Commander, 82d Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas
9. June 2019 – November 2019, Commander, 359th Medical Operations Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas
10. November 2019 – June 2021, Commander, 559th Medical Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas
11. June 2021 – December 2023, Deputy Director, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
12. January 2024 – June 2026, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Executive Director, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
13. June 2026 – present, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Acting Deputy Director, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
USAFE Company Grade Optometrist of the Year
ACC Field Grade Optometrist of the Year
711th Human Performance Wing Commander’s Excellence Award
355th Fighter Wing Field Grade Officer of the Quarter
(Current as of June 2026)