TRICARE Vision Program: Exams, Glasses, and FEDVIP Guide

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current government directives, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE’s vision coverage depends on who you are and which plan you use. While basic eye exams are covered for most active duty families and retirees, comprehensive "vision insurance" (which pays for glasses and contacts) is generally only available through the **FEDVIP** program, a separate dental and vision benefit managed by OPM.

In detail

TRICARE distinguishes between "routine eye exams" (medical coverage) and "vision correction" (glasses and contacts).

### 1. Routine Eye Exams (Medical Benefit) Eye exams are covered by TRICARE as part of your health plan, but the frequency depends on your beneficiary status: * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Full coverage for periodic exams to ensure fitness for duty. No out-of-pocket costs. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** * **Prime:** One routine exam per year. No cost-share if using a network provider. * **Select:** One routine exam per year. (2026 rates apply for office visit copays). * **Retirees and their Families:** * **Prime:** One routine exam every two years. * **Select:** Not covered unless the exam is related to a medical condition (e.g., diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts).

### 2. FEDVIP (The "Vision Insurance" Path) Since TRICARE does not pay for glasses or contact lenses for retirees or most family members, the Department of Defense offers the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**. * **Contractor:** Managed by OPM using various private carriers (e.g., VSP, FEP Blue Vision, UnitedHealthcare Vision). * **Coverage:** Includes eye exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses. * **Eligibility:** Must be a TRICARE-eligible retiree, or an active duty family member. * **Enrollment:** You can only enroll during the annual **Federal Benefits Open Season** (typically mid-November to mid-December) or after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

### 3. Glasses and Contacts * **Active Duty:** Provided standard-issue glasses at no cost via military clinics. * **Retirees:** Eligible to order "Standard Issue" glasses through the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) system only if they have a prescription from a military or civilian provider. * **Family Members:** TRICARE generally **does not pay** for glasses or contacts unless they are necessary to treat a specific medical condition, such as keratoconus or following glaucoma surgery.

Summary of Vision Coverage by Beneficiary Type (2026)

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members:** Vision care is managed through military treatment facilities (MTFs) to ensure combat readiness. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Covered for annual exams but must rely on FEDVIP or out-of-pocket payments for frames and lenses. * **Retirees and Survivors:** Coverage for exams is limited; most choose to enroll in FEDVIP for comprehensive vision care. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) Beneficiaries:** TRICARE acts as secondary payer to Medicare. Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, but TRICARE will cover one exam every two years for TFL beneficiaries.

Common scenarios

**Scenario 1: Active Duty Spouse in TRICARE Prime** Jane is an Army spouse. She goes to a network optometrist for her annual eye exam in 2026. Because she is on Prime, her copay for the exam is $0. However, she needs new designer frames. TRICARE pays $0 for the frames. Jane pays the full retail price unless she has a separate FEDVIP vision plan.

**Scenario 2: Retiree in TRICARE Select** Mark is a retired Navy Chief. He wants a routine eye exam but does not have a medical condition like diabetes. Under TRICARE Select, his routine exam is **not covered**. Mark uses his FEDVIP vision insurance (which he enrolled in during Open Season) to pay a small copay for the exam and receives a $150 allowance toward new glasses.

**Scenario 3: Active Duty Service Member** Sgt. Miller notices his vision is blurry. He visits the optometry clinic at his base. His exam and two pairs of standard-issue "BCG" or combat frames are provided at no cost ($0) through the military's supply system.

## Related terms * **FEDVIP:** Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program; the optional insurance used for glasses/contacts. * **BENEFEDS:** The official portal (benefeds.com) used to enroll in and manage FEDVIP vision plans. * **Ophthalmologist:** A medical doctor specializing in eye surgery and complex diseases (covered under TRICARE medical). * **Optometrist:** A doctor of optometry who handles vision testing and prescriptions (covered for routine exams). * **Qualifying Life Event (QLE):** A change like marriage or retirement that allows you to enroll in FEDVIP outside of Open Season.

## Sources * TRICARE Vision Overview: https://www.tricare.mil/vision * FEDVIP Eligibility (BENEFEDS): https://www.benefeds.com * Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA): https://www.med.navy.mil/Naval-Ophthalmic-Support-and-Training-Activity/ * TRICARE Eye Exams: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/EyeExams