If you’re a veteran with vision problems that are affecting your quality of life and independence, it’s time to see the light. There could be help for you right around the corner at your local VA.

While eligibility for routine eye care encompasses all enrolled veterans eligibility for eyeglasses remains somewhat limited like dental care. VA will ensure access to eye care services including preventive health services and routine vision testing for all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment.

Eyeglasses will be provided to the following veterans:

  • Those with any compensable service-connected disability.
  • Those who are former Prisoners of War (POWs).
  • Those who were awarded a Purple Heart.
  • Those in receipt of benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151.
  • Those in receipt of an increased pension based on being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance.
  • Those with vision impairment resulting from diseases or the existence of another medical condition for which the veteran is receiving care or services from VHA, or which resulted from treatment of that medical condition, e.g., stroke, polytrauma, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, geriatric chronic illnesses, toxicity from drugs, ocular photosensitivity from drugs, cataract surgery, and/or other surgeries performed on the eye, ear, or brain resulting in vision or hearing impairment.
  • Those with significant functional or cognitive impairment evidenced by deficiencies in the ability to perform activities of daily living.
  • Those who have vision severe enough that it interferes with their ability to participate actively in their own medical treatment and to reduce the impact of dual sensory impairment (combined hearing and vision loss).

For additional information please contact your local Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or a Veteran’s Service Organization. It is always a good idea to discuss your vision care needs with your primary healthcare provider.

Keith Reimers
National Service Officer