Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire VA eye exam ?

So my local VA outpatient has just started offering eye exams & glasses.......

Question: have any of you Veteran's used this service before and is it any better, the same or worse (in your opinion) than the local civilian optometrist?

Thanks
Mark

I have used VA optics for the past 8 years. I, can get a cheap pair of glasses and exam for free every 2 years.
I opt for the free frames and upgrade too lined bifocals and Transitions lenses $117.00.
Do not know how that compares to wally world or sams.

I've used it. It is the same with the exception of the choice of frames for your free glasses. They aren't necessarily birth control glasses; but, the options for styles aren't what they are with your average retailer. It's a great benefit.

Only issue is the type of frames, not a large choice. They don't do progressives either. If you have bifocals or trifocals the lines will be there on the lenses. Yep the old BCD's..

I've used them the last 8-10 years or more. Not a big selection on frames but big enough for me, I don't get to concerned with how I look concerning the latest fashion trends. That said the frames they offer aren't gaudy or ugly, not all of them anyway. I got some simple wire frames that fit with anything I wear. Can't beat the price either, I'm sure someone will complain though, there's always someone

Welp that's all I needed to hear. I will make an appointment and give them a go.....

Thanks for the responses 👍🇺🇸

Keep in mind that the VA health care system is the largest health care system in the world, and quality of care can vary greatly depending on location.

Talking about "the VA" without specifics is like talking about "health care" in the US without differentiating between a 700+ bed hospital in a major city and a critical access hospital in a rural area.

I need ta go schedule a couple of things with em.
PITA over the phone.
Just go do it in person and deal with it this week.

To, all Vets using VA for medical, sign up with My Healthy Vet online VA

You can contact your care team thru Secure Messaging, refill RX and much more. Easier and faster than the Phone.

jme

Not a veteran but pre-covid I would go with my dad to the VA for his eye examination. The drs in our hospital did all the tests themselves and appointments were on time for the most part. When my father needed cataract surgery one eye was done in the Va. His second procedure came a couple years later and was done at Yale. All follow ups were back at the eye center. His care was outstanding. As others have said the selection of frames is sparse but for the price (dad paid nothing) were ok.

He passed away in January in hospice after spending 2 weeks in Yale ICU.

For the record his care at the VA was outstanding. I signed him up after my mother passed away 15 years ago and we never had an issue ever. His first physical there found skin cancer previously missed by his regular dr.

I have to believe others who say care is based on location, but the West Haven CT facility was great.

While this has nothing to do with it, his VA eye drs were some of the most attractive young female mds I have seen. Competent too.

Had an eye exam and received bifocals from VA last year. Caused severe eye strain, could not wear them, even after going back for fitment adjustment. Went to Costco, very pleased, a fraction of the price of Optometrist.

VA has treated me well, good glasses, thorough check up.

I've used the VA for eye examines the last few years. In each case they have 'farmed' me out to a local community provider (same provider each year). Just finished up with a series of exams on Weds. Scheduled for cataract surgery in both eyes, the latter part of May. Left, one week; right the next.

Good fortune. The VA in Big Springs, Texas had a great cataract surgeon. Hope you get a good one. BTW, if the first eye isnt doing just great at one week i wouldnt use the same surgeon again.
Id also do the non dominant eye first.

If things dont go well ld check out private surgeons with great reputations in CATARACT SX to do the dominant eye.

I use the VA for my glasses, exams, etc, used to be able to see the eye docs, but they have been sending me to a local eye center under the community care program. It's better than the VA Drs IMO.
Seems every time I make a eye apt they say 6 to 8 months so I take advantage of com care.