Eyewear for Retired Military

[TinCanMan]

Folks:

Just so you know. You are entitled to one pair of standard glasse a year. They're a bit better than the old BC glasses we used to get but not a lot of choices. Still, they're free.

Go here: http://nostra.norfolk.navy.mil/

[Sgt D]

Well I ordered glasses from them and chose mine from the ones on line, however the ones I got are the brown plastic ones and if that's all they will provide to the retired service members then they can just keep them for I wouldn't wear these to the out house. Also I think it's better to get glasses from the VA if you are at least 10% disabled or more at least you have a pretty good selection to chose from. Sgt D

It's damm hard to push a chain

[Weapons Guy]

What is the process to get glasses through the VA?

[Sgt D]

First you have to have at least a 10% disability from the VA. Some places require you go thru your primary care doctor others you can call the eye clinic direct and make an appointment. I called the eye clinic direct and had an appointment for the next week. They will do a complete exam and then you can select from the frames they have to offer which I found to be very good. Once you have selected your frames they will have your glasses made and mail them to you, this could take any where from 1 week to 4 weeks. SGT D

[Guarango]

Hi SgtD
What about us vets who live outside the US? I live in Spain. Hard life but someone has to live it.

[Sgt D]

Well I don't have an answer for that one. Maybe someone else on here can answer it. I'm sure you hate having to live over there.... Enjoy and have fun. Sgt D

[maxtor]

i have been getting eyewear from the VA since i retired and i have got some pretty good looking glasses. better than the BC glasses. they had about 30 or 40 different styles. i dont know if % of disability has anything to do with it but i would feel like it dont. i am 90% schedular and 100% IU.

i didnt know the "birth control glasses" reference was still around. probably only around us old farts.

[Sgt D]

Who is eligible for eyewear through the VA?

The Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 described eligibility criteria for eyeglasses. These criteria provide eye-related materials to any veteran a) with a 10% or more service-connected disability, b) receiving regular aid or is permanently housebound, c) receiving benefits on the basis of Title 38 U.S. Code 1151 and, d) any former prisoner of war.

Are any other veterans eligible?

Other veterans may be eligible if their eye problems were caused by: a) a medical condition that is being treated by the VA, or; b) resulted from treatment of that medical condition; or c) if the veteran needs eyeglasses in order to help with his/her medical treatment.

Here it is from the VA's web site. Sgt D

[TinCanMan]

Precisely who gets eyewear and hearing aids is governed by 38CFR §17.149


They also published VHA Directive 2002-039 because of the inconsistant dispensing across the various facilities. This directive, now expired. pretty much lays out in English who is eligible.


I'd heard the directive had been renewed but haven't found a copy yet. I doubt it really matters in light of §17.149/

[TinCanMan]

i have been getting eyewear from the VA since i retired and i have got some pretty good looking glasses.

For a while I got glasses on my Wife's medical plan. Her employer ended that when insurance got to pricey so I've been getting mine from the VA. They're not exactly top quality but they work well enough. Typical of what you'd get in one of the many formula places found in any mall. I think lens quality is better at the private shops but some of those were costing her insurance $500 and that was before y2k.

As far as the MTF glasses go... hey, they're free and many retiree's aren't service connected and are on fixed income. Being able to read beats looking for large print books anytime.

[Sgt D]

TinCanMan

I agree that some retirees live on a fixed income and the BC glasses are what they can afford to get. However I feel that after a person gives that much time of their life in the military that the military could at least put aside a few bucks for some glasses that are not so out dated in style and looks. Just my opinion. Sgt D

[TinCanMan]

Perhaps, but talking to me about it is a waste of your time as is complaining on the web. My post was intended to inform retiree's with limited income or those with limited vanity of their option. As such, it served its purpose.

If you seek change, see your legislators. They can solve your problem. I work full time and veterans activism isn't on my agenda.

[Sgt D]

Originally Posted by TinCanMan

Perhaps, but talking to me about it is a waste of your time as is complaining on the web. My post was intended to inform retiree's with limited income or those with limited vanity of their option. As such, it served its purpose.

If you seek change, see your legislators. They can solve your problem. I work full time and veterans activism isn't on my agenda.

I was not complaining I was stating my opinion, I see that if someone post something on here that you don't like then you try to make a big deal out of it.
I came to this forum to find infomation and to relate information not to get in a pissing contest with anyone. Don't worry about me trying to carry on a conservation with you. I don't have the time or desire to comunicate with anyone that wants to start some crap. I could give a rats ass that you work full time and that Veterans activism isn't your thing. I have enough medical problems than to try and deal with stupid crap like this. Sgt D

[TinCanMan]

Pot, Kettle. Black