TRICARE Vision Plans & FEDVIP Guide (2026)
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer TRICARE does not have its own standalone vision plan; instead, it utilizes **FEDVIP** (the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) for comprehensive vision coverage. Eligible retirees and active duty family members can choose from several private "Plans" offered through the FEDVIP vision portal, managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
## In detail While TRICARE covers medically necessary eye care (like treating glaucoma or cataracts) and routine eye exams for some beneficiaries, it does not pay for glasses or contacts for most people. To get coverage for frames and lenses, you must enroll in a vision plan through FEDVIP.
### TRICARE vs. FEDVIP Vision It is important to distinguish between "eye care" (medical) and "vision coverage" (hardware like glasses).
* **TRICARE (Medical):** Covers eye exams for active duty members and their families. Retirees generally do not get routine eye exams under TRICARE Prime or Select. * **FEDVIP (Vision Plans):** This is where you get coverage for frames, lenses, and contact lenses. It is a voluntary, premium-based program.
### Available Vision Carriers (2026) As of 2026, the following carriers typically offer plans through the FEDVIP portal. Each carrier often offers a "Standard" and a "High" option: * Aetna Vision * Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision * MetLife Vision * UnitedHealthcare Vision * VSP Vision Care
### 2026 Enrollment Rules * **Open Season:** You can only enroll in or change your vision plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). * **Premiums:** Vision premiums are paid post-tax for retirees and pre-tax for active duty family members (if eligible). * **Contractors:** While **Humana Military** (East) and **TriWest** (West) manage your TRICARE medical benefits, they do not manage your FEDVIP vision plan. Enrollment is handled through **BENEFEDS**.
Comparison Table: FEDVIP Vision Typical Coverage (2026 Estimates)
| Feature | Standard Plan | High Plan | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Eye Exam Copay** | ~$10 - $15 | $0 | | **Frame Allowance** | $120 - $150 | $200 - $250 | | **Contact Lens Allowance** | ~$120 - $150 | ~$200+ | | **Lens Options (UV, Tint)** | Often a copay | Often covered in full |
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Family Members:** Eligible to enroll in a FEDVIP vision plan if they are also enrolled in a TRICARE health plan. * **Retirees and their Families:** Eligible to enroll in FEDVIP vision. This is the primary way retirees get coverage for routine eye exams and glasses. * **TRICARE Reserve Select/Retired Reserve:** Members and their families are eligible for FEDVIP vision. * **Active Duty Service Members:** **NOT** eligible for FEDVIP vision. Their vision care (including hardware) is provided entirely by military treatment facilities (MTFs) or via Optometry referrals.
Common scenarios
### Scenario 1: The Retiree (TRICARE Select) Jim is a retired Petty Officer 1st Class on TRICARE Select. TRICARE Select does not cover routine eye exams for retirees. Jim enrolls in **BCBS FEP Vision (High)** for 2026. He pays a monthly premium (approx. $12-$15 for self-only). He goes to a local optometrist, gets an exam for $0 copay, and gets $200 toward new designer frames.
### Scenario 2: Active Duty Spouse Sarah is married to an active duty soldier. TRICARE covers her annual eye exam at 100%. However, she wants expensive progressive lenses and name-brand frames. She enrolls in **VSP Vision Care (Standard)** via FEDVIP. She uses TRICARE for the exam (costing $0) and uses VSP to discount her glasses, saving approximately $150 off the retail price.
## Related terms * **BENEFEDS:** The official government-authorized portal used to enroll in FEDVIP vision and dental plans. * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change like marriage, birth of a child, or retirement that allows you to enroll in vision coverage outside of Open Season. * **Eye hardware:** The industry term for glasses, frames, and contact lenses. * **Refraction:** The part of the eye exam that determines your prescription; TRICARE often covers the exam but not the refraction fee for certain beneficiaries. * **T-5 Contract:** The 2025/2026 regional contract era where TriWest took over the West region.
## Sources * **TRICARE Vision Overview:** https://www.tricare.mil/vision * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP Enrollment):** https://www.benefeds.com * **OPM Vision Insurance Information:** https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/vision-insurance/