Vision Care

Overview

Vision is an underutilized VA benefit available to eligible veterans. This coverage area receives minimal discussion despite being valuable.

Pro Tip: If you're enrolled in VA healthcare, you get free eye exams and glasses. Not glamorous, but one less bill to pay. Stare at screens all day during your service? Your eyes are probably service-connected anyway.

Eligibility

All veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare qualify for vision benefits.

Coverage Levels

Benefits are divided into three tiers:

1. Basic Coverage

• Routine eye exams (eyeglasses prescriptions)
• Basic eyeglasses
• Preventative vision testing (glaucoma screening, etc.)

2. Advanced Coverage

Medical justification required for enhanced services: - Tinted lenses: For post-cataract surgery, chronic uveitis, severe corneal disease - Contact lenses: When they provide superior vision compared to glasses, protect vision, or glasses cannot be worn - Vision correction surgery: Includes laser refractive surgery and corneal crosslinking, except for service-connected Keratoconus cases

3. Exceptional Coverage

For blind or severely low-vision veterans: - Vision-enhancing devices and training - Visual skills training (reading, writing, cooking, medication management) - Sensory skills training - Mobility and orientation training - Communication strategy development - Counseling and group therapy - Family support services

Access Process

Talk to your VA primary care provider or contact your nearest VA medical center or clinic to schedule eye exams. Community provider referrals available based on individual circumstances.

Cost

Free for veterans with: - Any disability compensation - Service-connected vision disability - Combined rating of 10% or higher - Purple Heart status - Former Prisoner of War status - Vision impairment affecting self-treatment ability - Specific conditions (stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease) - Vision problems from prescribed medications or medical procedures

Others may owe small copays based on income.

FAQs

• Processing time: Around 2 weeks
• Contact lenses: Only approved when providing superior vision versus glasses or medical necessity exists
• Guide dogs: VA doesn't provide dogs but covers veterinary care and equipment for non-VA service dogs

References

38 CFR § 17.149 - Sensori-neural aids