Optometry
Description of Services for Optometry
The Optometry Service provides comprehensive vision examinations for patients aged 5 years and older with priority given to Active Duty service members. The optometrists prescribe glasses and conduct eye health evaluations. The Optometry Service will order glasses and required optical devices for all active duty service members.
Contact lens services are not provided because it is not a TRICARE covered benefit.
Eye exams usually take about an hour and a patient’s eyes will usually be dilated to provide a thorough eye health examination. This will result in blurred near vision and light sensitivity for the remainder of the day.
Patients may make an appointment for a routine vision examination without a referral. Same day service is offered for urgent patients based on a referral from a primary care provider or by appropriate triage by an eye health technician in our clinic. The eye portion of all military physicals is performed on a walk-in basis Mon - Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Active Duty patients and Retired Military with a current glasses prescription (less than one year old) may walk-in to order glasses from our dispensary Mon - Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Retirees may receive one pair of glasses per year.
Access to Care
Active duty only.
Appointments
To schedule an appointment, please login to TRICARE Online or call the Hampton Roads Appointment Center (HRAC) at 1-866-645-4584.
HRAC Hours
Mon - Fri: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat, Sun and Holidays: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cancelling Appointments
To cancel an appointment, please go to TRICARE Online and access the Appointment Center. McDonald Army Health Center requires that beneficiaries cancel 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Don't be a no-show!
McDonald Army Health Center wants your help in reducing the number of "No Shows". Patients who miss appointments or arrive late by 10 minutes or more to their scheduled appointments are considered "No Shows". "No Shows" limit the number of available appointments. The Health Center request beneficiaries cancel at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.