TRICARE Coverage for Vision & Eye Care
Overview
TRICARE medical coverage includes medically necessary eye exams and treatment for eye conditions. Routine vision exams (for glasses/contacts prescription) are NOT covered for most beneficiaries. Active duty members receive comprehensive eye care including glasses through military optometry clinics.
Treatment Options Covered by TRICARE
- Medical eye exams (for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy)
- Routine eye exams (active duty only through TRICARE)
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma treatment
- Diabetic eye exams
- LASIK/PRK (active duty at qualifying MTFs)
- Contact lens fitting (medical necessity only)
- Glasses and contact lenses (active duty at MTF)
How TRICARE Covers Vision & Eye Care
TRICARE covers medically necessary eye care (conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease). Routine vision exams for eyeglass prescriptions are NOT a standard TRICARE benefit for family members or retirees. Active duty members receive comprehensive eye care including glasses through MTF optometry. LASIK/PRK is available to active duty at qualifying MTFs.
Coverage by Plan
TRICARE Prime
Medical eye exams covered with referral. Routine vision exams not covered for dependents. Active duty: full vision care at MTF including glasses.
TRICARE Select
Medical eye exams covered with standard cost shares. Routine vision exams not covered. No referral needed.
TRICARE For Life
Medicare covers medical eye exams and cataract surgery. Routine vision exams covered by Medicare annually for diabetics. FEDVIP vision plans available separately.
Estimated Costs
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical eye exam for glaucoma (Prime ADFM) | $0 with referral |
| Cataract surgery (Prime ADFM) | $0 with authorization |
| Routine eye exam (family member) | Not covered — FEDVIP vision plan or out of pocket |
| LASIK (active duty at MTF) | $0 if approved |
| Diabetic eye exam | $0 (all plans, covered as preventive) |
Authorization Requirements
Medical eye exams do not require prior authorization. Cataract surgery and other eye surgeries require authorization. LASIK for active duty requires command approval and MTF availability.
Network & Provider Notes
Ophthalmologists and optometrists are available in the TRICARE network for medical eye care. For routine vision needs, FEDVIP vision plans (available to all eligible beneficiaries) provide coverage for exams, glasses, and contacts.