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.