Independent guide
TRICARE Vision Coverage and Routine Eye Exams
Routine eye-exam coverage depends on beneficiary status, plan, age, and the reason for the exam.
Last reviewed September 16, 2026 · Confirm time-sensitive details with the official program.
Official decisions come from TRICARE. This guide helps organize public information; verify eligibility, coverage, deadlines, costs, and contacts at TRICARE.mil.
Routine eye-exam coverage
Coverage depends on beneficiary status, plan, age, and why the exam is needed.
- Active duty service members can receive eye exams as needed for fitness for duty.
- Active duty family members are covered for one routine eye exam each year, regardless of plan.
- Retired service members and their family members using TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Young Adult–Prime are covered for one routine eye exam every two years.
- Retirees and family members using TRICARE Select, TRICARE Young Adult–Select, or TRICARE For Life generally do not have routine eye-exam coverage through the health plan.
- Children ages three through six can receive a well-child eye exam every two years.
- Medically necessary eye care follows separate coverage rules.
Glasses, contacts, and FEDVIP
A covered eye exam does not automatically mean ordinary glasses or contact lenses are covered. TRICARE covers them only in certain circumstances. Some beneficiaries can purchase separate FEDVIP vision coverage; its enrollment and qualifying-life-event rules are separate.
Before scheduling, use the official coverage page and confirm provider/referral rules for the exact plan.