Retiree eye exams allowed every two years Published Jan. 8, 2010 FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Maintaining healthy eyes and vision is an important part of personal safety and quality of life, say Tricare officials, and getting an eye exam is a smart idea for anyone, whether or not they have vision problems. Retirees and their family members using Tricare Prime can get an eye exam every two years. Routine eye exams for retirees and their family members using Tricare Standard and Extra, and Tricare for Life are not covered. These exams are more than the standard letter charts and include a check into the health of the eye. Retirees and their families enrolled in Tricare Prime can make an appointment with any Tricare-authorized optometrist or ophthalmologist for an exam. Tricare Prime beneficiaries do not need a referral unless they see a provider outside of their region's Tricare network. All retirees, even Tricare for Life recipients, may receive one pair of standard issue glasses each year from the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity. Visit the NOSTRA Web site at www.med.navy.mil/sites/nostra and select the "How to Order: Retirees" link for more information. Family members and surviving spouses are not entitled to NOSTRA support. Tricare officials said there are many ways to preserve and protect one's vision besides getting eye examinations. Avoid injury by wearing appropriate eye protection when handling tools and chemicals, and while playing sports. Also, wear sunglasses, hats and visors to protect eyes against the sun's harmful ultra-violet rays. Learn more about Tricare vision benefits at the Tricare beneficiary portal at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit. Learn about eye health and protection at the National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute at www.nei.nih.gov. (Courtesy of Tricare)
