VISION

Vision is one of the more underutilized benefits provided by VA. As it is not highly advertised.

Vision

Vision is one of the more underutilized benefits provided by VA. As it is not highly advertised.

Eligibility

Any Veteran who is enrolled in VA Healthcare.

Coverage

Routine

Routine eye exams (eyeglasses prescription)
Basic eyeglasses
Preventative vision testing (like testing for glaucoma)

Expanded

Some situations where the veteran has medical justification for more than just basic eyeglasses:

Tinted lenses: Prescriptions for tinted lens are appropriate for veteran's post-cataract surgery, chronic uveitis, severe corneal disease, etc.
Contact lenses: Only when contact lenses are superior to eyeglasses in improving or protecting the veteran's visual or medical function.
Vision Correction Surgery (Refractive Surgery): Vision corrective surgery (refractive surgery) is any surgical procedure to correct disorders of refraction, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Laser refractive surgery and corneal crosslinking are not covered procedures within VHA, except for Veterans with service-connected Keratoconus.

If the veteran is blind or has exceptionally low vision

Vision-enhancing devices and technologies (like electronic reading machines and electronic mobility devices)—and training in how to use them
Training in new visual skills to help with everyday tasks (like reading, writing, cooking, managing your medicines, and locating and reading signs)
Sensory training (training that helps you better use your other senses—like hearing or touch)
Mobility and orientation training (training that helps you create mental maps that make you feel more confident as you move through the world)
Strategies for restoring your ability to communicate through writing or using the computer
Counseling and group therapy to help you adjust to blindness
Family-centered care that helps your family learn how to support you as you adjust to blindness

Cost

If you do NOT have a service connected eye condition AND you do NOT have a combined rating of at least 10% you may owe a Small copay. Depending on your income level.

The following groups of people will owe NO copays:

Veterans drawing any disability compensation
Former Prisoners of War
Purple Heart recipients
Veterans with a service connected vision disability
Veterans with vision impairment so severe that it interferes with their ability to take part in their own treatment for service connected disabilities
Veterans who are qualified for an increased pension based on being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance
Veterans with significant functional or cognitive impairment evidenced by deficiencies in the ability to perform activities of daily living
Vision problems caused by an illness or the treatment of such illness like:
Vision problems caused by an injury or the treatment of such injury like:
- A reaction to prescribed medicines
- Cataract surgery or other surgeries of the eye, ear, or brain
- Traumatic brain injury or polytrauma

NOTE:

If the veteran wants something that is not medically necessary. The veteran may then be allowed to pay out of pocket to purchase more advanced options. This specifically applies to those who want fancier framed eyeglasses.

How to Obtain these Benefits

To schedule an eye exam, talk to your VA primary care provider or contact your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

NOTE:

It is possible to get a referral to get seen by a Community provider based on your specific needs and circumstances. Your VA provider will work with you to determine if you’re eligible.

FAQ

How long does it take to get my glasses?

It should take around 2 weeks.

Can the VA give me contact lenses?

Only if the veteran can see better with the assistance of contacts over eyeglasses or there is another medical reason.

Does VA provide guide dogs for blind Veterans?

No. But they will work with non-VA agencies that provide guide or service dogs. Many of these organizations don’t charge for the dog or the dog’s training. And if you’re eligible for a guide or service dog. They VA will pay for the veterinary care and equipment (like a harness or backpack) that you’ll need for the dog to work at its best.