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Vision Benefits

Vision is one of the more underutilized benefits provided by VA. As it is not really talked about.

Eligibility

Vision Benefits (Coverage)

Benefits can be broken down into 3 groups:

  1. Basic

  2. Advanced

    • Where the veteran has medical justification for more than just the basics.

  3. Exceptional

    • Veteran is blind or has exceptionally low vision.

1. Basic

  • Routine eye exams (eyeglasses prescription)

  • Basic eyeglasses

  • Preventative vision testing (like testing for glaucoma)

2. Advanced

  • 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 improve vision better than eyeglasses, protect the Veteran’s vision, or glasses physically cannot be worn.

  • 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.

3. Exceptional

  • 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

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.

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 (FREE!):

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • It should take around 2 weeks.

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

    • 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.

References