VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – “Vision ready is mission ready.” This mantra is taught to ophthalmic technicians from day one of our military careers.
If your vision standards are not being met you cannot fly a plane, qualify on your weapon or safely operate a government vehicle.
This is where the Optometry Clinic comes in to play.
We are here to provide a standard comprehensive eye exam to ensure you have a current prescription and specialty screenings to qualify for laser vision correction surgeries.
We also have tailored exams for glaucoma and diabetic patients, contact lens wearers and acute eye care issues.
In addition, we run the Aircrew Soft Contact Lens Program, which allows our pilots to use contact lenses during flight instead of the flight frames we provide.
Here at Vance we see our active duty members, family members and our retired population. We ensure all of Team Vance have their vision needs met. No all military installations can do that.
A comprehensive eye exam is recommended every one or two years depending on your need. This may or may not include a dilation, so bring your sunglasses.
All of our patients who have a comprehensive eye exam will receive a prescription so they can acquire glasses.
All active duty members are authorized one pair of frame-of-choice glasses, two pairs of standard-style glasses and gas-mask inserts annually. Our retired patients are authorized one pair of standard frames annually.
TRICARE does not cover the cost of glasses purchased outside the clinic for active duty members or retirees. Family members are not authorized any military-issued glasses and will have to pay for glasses purchased on the economy.
Contact lens wearers can be fit here in our clinic if we have the capability to fit their personal prescription, or have their current contact lens prescription updated.
TRICARE does not cover the cost of contact lens purchases. However you will be provided one pair of trial contact lenses if you are given a new fit.
New contact lens wearers will have to come in more than once to receive proper training on hygiene and safe contact lens handling, along with follow ups to ensure a good fit with new lenses.
We look forward to "seeing you" in our clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at 580-213-7418.