Why should I have to pay for better quality eyeglass frames at the VA?

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:54:47 -0500

I am 100% disabled I went to the eye doctor needed glasses then I was told if I want better quality frames I will have to pay for it why should I pay for something if I already paid for it with my life?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 29 at 2025 7:56 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:56:48 -0500

The VA doesn't have unlimited resources to give anyone whatever type of eyeglasses they want. They provide eyeglasses that meet your visual needs, but anything above that comes at the member's expense.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 29 at 2025 8:54 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:54:38 -0500

Military service did not wipe away all personal responsibilities.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2025 11:19 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:19:42 -0500

Being the VA I would have expected they would only provide something on par with what we were issued in Basic Training.

Response by LCDR Anthony Craft made Jan 31 at 2025 2:32 PM

LCDR Anthony Craft — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:32:58 -0500

I've heard similar stories. The VA system is... complicated, to say the least. Have you tried talking to someone higher up? Maybe a patient advocate or someone in the VA's administration? Document everything, appointments, bills, etc. and keep pushing.

Response by 1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) made Feb 2 at 2025 11:53 PM

1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 23:53:30 -0500

I also had to pay extra. However, the payment was not the problem. The problem was in getting a satisfactory pair of glasses. I order sunglasses and the local VA had to send them back twice due to poor quality of workmanship. First pair the lens did not fit in the frame and kept popping out. Second pair the shading in the lens was drooping and running - could not see out of them! Third pair was marginal and I will never go to the VA again for glasses!

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Feb 3 at 2025 8:47 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:47:46 -0500

Did You Use The VA Or An Outside Optometrist?

I Receive FREE Eye Glasses At Our VA In Vegas,
Never Had A Problem ~ ~ With The Glasses, !
But I've Had One "L" Of A Tough Time In Other Areas.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 4 at 2025 1:29 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 01:29:25 -0500

Actually a much better selection nowadays. Used to be only BCDs (birth control devices).

Response by Cristina Johnson made Feb 4 at 2025 7:08 AM

Cristina Johnson — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:08:24 -0500

The VA operates within a budget, and unfortunately, that means they don’t have unlimited funding to cover every option, even though all veterans deserve it after service.
The reality is that while the VA covers the basic medical needs, including standard frames and lenses, when it comes to higher-end or more personalized options (like designer frames or frames with certain features), they often don’t cover the extra cost.
This is because the VA provides what's considered "standard issue," and better quality frames are often seen as a personal choice rather than a medical necessity.
At the end of the day, it’s your personal choice if you want different frames that fit your style or needs better. But it’s definitely tough when you feel like you’ve already earned more consideration.

Response by PO2 Barry Latham made Feb 5 at 2025 7:38 PM

PO2 Barry Latham — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:38:34 -0500

The first time I didn't pay anything for my glasses and I also got protective goggles. But the last 2 years I paid to get glasses I wanted from their rack and this time I bought 2 pairs. I broke a pair and didn't have a good pair that I could wear and see properly so I asked to get a extra pair just in case. If they don't have what you like you can always order from their provider.

Response by COL Charles Shaver made Feb 5 at 2025 7:48 PM

COL Charles Shaver — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:48:09 -0500

Better quality or more stylish? I'm retired from active duty and can order 1 free pair per year. https://www.med.navy.mil/Naval-Medical-Readiness-Logistics-Command/Naval-Ophthalmic-Readiness-Activity/Ordering/how-to-order-retiree/ All the designer choices are shown here: https://www.med.navy.mil/Naval-Medical-Readiness-Logistics-Command/Naval-Ophthalmic-Readiness-Activity/Standard-Eyewear/

How to Order: Retiree

Response by SGM John Barnett made Feb 6 at 2025 9:12 AM

SGM John Barnett — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:12:40 -0500

VA glass frames are worthless. The lenses pop out and quite frankly I don’t think the exams you get are worth a damn either.

Response by PVT Simon Menchaca made Feb 9 at 2025 2:28 PM

PVT Simon Menchaca — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:28:17 -0500

This should apply to all Veterans not just 100%ters. Benefits for all..

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Feb 11 at 2025 10:46 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:46:17 -0500

SGT Lorenzo Nieto I understand your point but at the same time, be thankful you get what you do get! At least they aren't the butt ugly black frame glasses they issued in boot camp! There was probably a time when that's all they gave Veterans. I go to the V.A. for my glasses also and accept the selection I don't have to pay for and, they even provide progressive lenses.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Feb 17 at 2025 6:42 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:42:22 -0500

I love all the replies I had on this topic i have been called a low life, a loser, a bum no matter how much you insult me I will not go silent in the night, lol remember that line got to say a lot of wacky dudes on this sight and no I’m not getting off it.