Does TRICARE cover eye exams and glasses?

TRICARE vision coverage is limited:

What TRICARE Medical Covers

• Eye exams for medical conditions
• Treatment for eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts)
• Eye injuries and infections
• Diabetes-related eye exams
• Eye surgery for medical conditions
• Contact lenses after cataract surgery

What's NOT Covered

• Routine eye exams
• Glasses or contact lenses (except post-cataract)
• LASIK or refractive surgery
• Eyeglass frames
• Sunglasses

FEDVIP Vision Insurance:

Separate Coverage Available

• Retired service members and families
• Active duty family members
• Reserve and Guard members

What FEDVIP Typically Covers

• Annual comprehensive eye exams
• Frames and lenses
• Contact lenses
• Allowances for glasses
• Discounts on LASIK

Enrollment

• Enroll at www.benefeds.com
• Open Season: November-December
• Monthly premiums vary by plan
• Multiple carrier options

Active Duty

• Eye exams at military facilities
• Prescription glasses through military system
• No cost for active duty members

Costs Without FEDVIP

• Pay out-of-pocket for routine care
• Civilian glasses and exams not covered
• Can use military optical if eligible

Special Cases:

Children

• Medical eye care covered
• Routine exams need FEDVIP
• Vision screening part of well-child visits

Contact Lenses

• Covered only after cataract surgery
• Cosmetic contacts not covered
• Therapeutic contacts may be covered

For routine vision care, consider purchasing FEDVIP vision insurance during Open Season.