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Dr. Allan Rhoads, 92nd Medical Group optometrist, speaks with Sgt. 1st Class James Miller, a recruiter, about his vision before performing a check up at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., April 11, 2013. The clinic offers two appointments each day for patients specifically "other than active-duty" beneficiaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño)

Vision for all

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE-Wash. --  The Fairchild Air Force Base optometry clinic is not only here for active-duty military members, but dependents and retirees as well.

The clinic offers two appointments each day for patients specifically "other than active-duty" beneficiaries. In addition, any appointments available within 10 days may be booked by any TRICARE beneficiary.

"We hope to clear the air by getting the word out about some very frequently asked questions," said Tech. Sgt. Paula Barkhauer, Optometry Clinic NCO in charge. "We want to make sure everyone eligible for our services is aware that they are available and to provide the best customer service we can."

Appointments designated for "other than active duty" are opened for booking on the third Monday of each month at 7 a.m. for the following month.

TRICARE Prime (under age 65) retirees and their dependents are authorized one routine eye exam to include refraction for glasses every two years with an off-base Tricare networked provider at 100 percent coverage however Tricare Prime dependents of active-duty members are authorized one every year.

TRICARE networked providers can be found at www.tricare.mil.

"Once a beneficiary turns 65, he or she gains Medicare as primary insurance and TRICARE for Life as a secondary," said Barkhauer. "Since routine eye exams aren't covered by Medicare, installation clinics are the only places these beneficiaries can get refractions for glasses without paying full cost."

According to Medicare guidance, for Medicare/TRICARE for Life patients with ophthalmic disease, the patient is responsible for 20 percent the total cost of eye exams while Medicare covers 80 percent. TRICARE for Life covers that 20 percent ensuring the exam is of no cost to the beneficiary; however refractions for glasses aren't covered by either.

For more information about ophthalmic diseases covered by Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

Active-duty members are authorized one frame-of-choice pair of glasses each year at the base optometry clinic. Guard and Reserve personnel on orders for 31 days or more are also authorized frame-of-choice glasses.

"TRICARE doesn't cover any portion of glasses and contact lens purchases, except for one pair of glasses following cataract surgery," said Barkhauer.

The Air Force also offers two refractive surgery programs, one for all non-aircrew members, and one for all aircrew.

For more information about the types of surgery and details on availability, visit https://kx.afms.mil/kxweb/dotmil/kj.do?functionalArea=RS_USAF.

Please contact the Optometry Clinic with any other questions at (509)-247-5114.