Eye exams in Tricare, VA, ChampVA, Fee Basis, Medicare etc. Forum

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Eye exams

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LouF	Eye exams		Lead	[-]
Posts: 12936 Jul 5 12 6:05 PM 10,000 plus post...	I had an eye exam today at the clinic with a nurse, thought it was going to be one of those stupid eye chart things. Instead I found out that the nurse was certified on one of those new magical machines that checks everything other than a refraction and dilating. It all has to read by a doc but she said everything looks good Lou SSG Santa Fe NM 4/21 11LIB Americal 1/69-8/70 50% PTSD 60% IHD 100% IU P&T
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hutsky		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2783 Jul 5 12 9:24 PM	I have had excellent vision care from the VA. The examinations are always extensive and they have closely monitored any indications that gave concern. I elected to have cataract surgery outside the VA because they did not offer the newer multi focal lenses. However, after further consideration I elected the more conventional lenses. Even though the surgery was outside the VA scheduled me for an examination as soon as the healing is completed to determine if any vision correction would still be required. For 50 years I have worn glasses for progressive nearsightedness. A surprise to me but that problem now seems to be gone and most everything has taken on a brighter appearance.
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havasudave	eyes	#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1 Jul 18 12 11:14 AM	dont know how some of you get caterats removed by v a i cant at prescott az va was told it commom ploicy not to remove because vision in one eye is greater than 40% other words what them mean is you have to almost blind in both eyes before they remove fix them . i am sending letters to my senators about this problem. i have sent emails to the committee on vet affairs but no response back seems like this all has to do with budget cutting in the v a system that is why i think all vets get the run around on their problems
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The Old Medic		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6043 Jul 18 12 11:35 AM	Sending e-mails to the Committee on Veterans Affairs is about as useful as spitting into the wind. There is NO policy at the VA that they will not remove cataracts until your vision is 20/40. BUT, that is hardly "blind", as a person with 20/40 vision in one eye can still legally drive in most states. They will NOT remove cataracts until they significantly interfere with your vision. That's a good thing, because only a real quack would take them out before that stage. US Army 1959-1969; Germany 1960-63; Medic 1964-69 SFC E-7 MOS: 55G10 (60-63) , 91B40, 91C40, 91F40 (64-69) Registered Nurse, 1968-2005 (Licensed, not practicing after 1975) Ed.D in Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Retired, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Independent Social Security Contract Vocational Expert 1983-2005, Contract Medical Expert 1987-2005 60% Service Connected Disabled; Life Member of the DAV since 1980
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hutsky		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2783 Jul 19 12 10:00 AM	I agree with the assessments offered by The Old Medic (especially the first one). I do not know what criteria the VA uses in approving cataract surgery but for the past several years they have recommended that I have the surgery when I had the annual eye examinations. They offered to schedule with their contract provider but I decided to go outside mostly due to scheduling. It was not that I was nearly blind because I thought I could see well enough with glasses. I decided otherwise when I barely passed the last driving license eye exam. I was surprised when being assessed for the surgery by the private clinic. They informed me that cataract surgery was a totally elective procedure in the same category as cosmetic surgery and Medicare would not approve unless I formally attested to the fact that it was necessary to correct sight problems. If I had not had the problems with licensing I probably would not have proceeded. However, I now know why I never wore sun glasses. I didn't need them. Now I do. The change was drastic.
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SgtD6970		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4277 Jul 19 12 2:13 PM	I had cataract surgery about 4 years ago and medicare and tricare picked up the tap I paid nothing out of pocket..Sgt D US Army Retired Vietnam 1969-70 90% IU P&T SSDI
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Rattlesnake		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 72 Jul 24 12 5:33 PM	I apologize for my novice knowledge of this topic. I am rated 60%. Is there a link that will give me some guidance on this topic? I have not used the VA for eye exams yet. Everything has been done by my chosen eye doctor as of this date. What is the process? Do I just ask request it via my VA PCP? Do they provide exam, lenses, and frames? Thanks.
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The Old Medic		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6043 Jul 25 12 6:47 AM	You can request it from your PCP, if you are having ay visual problems, have diabetes, or any other condition that could affect your vision. If you are rated at 50% S/C or higher. you are entitled to VA eye care, free of charge. Yes, they will do everything, including exams (detailed exams), lenses and frames. You even get choices in the frames. I have had VA eye care for over 20 years, and it has always been excellent. I had worn very, very strong glasses since I was 9 years old (I needed them before that, but???). My vision was about 20/1600 in each eye, uncorrected, and I had never been able to get better than 20/50 in my left eye with glasses. I had bi-lateral cataract surgery 2 years ago, and I now have 20/20 in my right eye and 20/30 in my left. I was finally able to pass the physical to get my Pilots License. (Which I did. Not a bad thing to do when you are 68.) They do not put in the multifocal lenses, but so what? I wear reading glasses, big deal. The VA will do cataract surgery when you need it, not just because you want it. US Army 1959-1969; Germany 1960-63; Medic 1964-69 SFC E-7 MOS: 55G10 (60-63) , 91B40, 91C40, 91F40 (64-69) Registered Nurse, 1968-2005 (Licensed, not practicing after 1975) Ed.D in Rehabilitation Counseling, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Retired, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Independent Social Security Contract Vocational Expert 1983-2005, Contract Medical Expert 1987-2005 60% Service Connected Disabled; Life Member of the DAV since 1980
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LouF		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 12936 Jul 25 12 6:50 AM 10,000 plus post...	Ask your PCP to get you scheduled. The VAMC does it but they also use contractors. They will send you a letter telling you to get an appointment with the contractor and an authorization number. Exam and glasses but no contacts although they will give you a contact prescription. Lou SSG Santa Fe NM 4/21 11LIB Americal 1/69-8/70 50% PTSD 60% IHD 100% IU P&T
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