Optometry

Mission

The mission of the Department of Optometry is provide the highest quality primary eye care to eligible patients within the constraints of available personnel, equipment, and facilities.  Our team of dedicated providers and staff are focused on the Army mission to provide compassionate, customized quality service to those who serve and sacrifice for our country.

We have two clinics; the Primary Optometry Clinic at Moncrief Army Health Clinic and the Reception Medical Clinic (RMC).  MAHC Optometry supports active duty, dependents and retirees while the RMC provides support for basic trainees as they in-process and MEPS patients.

Eligibility (Subject to provider availability)

Patients eligible for appointments in the Department of Optometry

• All active duty and active duty TRICARE Prime patients.
• Currently seeing active duty family members 4 years and older.
• Access for TRICARE Prime retirees and retiree Family members.
• TRICARE eligible patients enrolled in another military treatment facility who are on TDY or traveling needing acute care.
• TRICARE For Life.

Services Provided

• Routine eye exams.
• Order military eyewear (SRTS)
• Exams for military physicals are performed on a walk-in basis during designated times.
• Evaluations for refractive surgery.
• Acute care
  • New Patients: Referred by Primary Care Manager to appropriate optometry clinic, same day access available.
  • Established Patients: Report to optometry clinic where routine care is received.
• Diabetic Eye Exams  

Walk-In Services

• Physicals
• Spectacle ordering, pick-up, and adjustments
• WTB Screenings
• MEDPROS Updates
• Driver’s license screening

Comprehensive Primary Eye Care

• Comprehensive visual and ocular health assessments to include eye health, accommodative and binocular disorders, and prescriptions for glasses.
• Evaluation and treatment for ocular trauma and eye diseases such as glaucoma, keratoconus, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis.

Limited Contact Lens Services

• Therapeutic contact lens fitting for existing medical diagnosis of eye disease. First time contact lens fittings are subject to provider availability.
• Cosmetic contact lens exams are not a TRICARE covered benefit; however, all Moncrief Optometrists are trained and licensed to complete contact lens exams. You can discuss contact lens options with your eye care provider during the comprehensive eye exams.
• Contact lens fitting possible on a case by case basis, if patient is currently wearing lenses, has the most recent prescription and at least one set of lenses. Please bring this information with you to your exam.

Common Eye Conditions (Updated 28 March 2022)

(Courtesy of American Optometry Association)
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions
 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye.

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Amblyopia—also known as lazy eye—is the loss or lack of development of clear vision in one or both eyes. It is often associated with crossed eyes or is a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before age 6 and does not affect side vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses may not fully correct the reduced vision caused by amblyopia if vision was not developed within the critical period.

Cataract

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision.

Computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. It can lead to dry eye, eyestrain and headaches.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that may occur in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly dilated fundus exam.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a condition in which a person doesn't have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision and good comfort.

Floaters & Spots

Floaters—or spots—are small, semi-transparent or cloudy particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. The spots can appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Call your eye care provider right away if new symptoms (flashes of light, floaters, or loss of vision) arise.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. It is characterized by loss of nerve tissue that results in vision loss. People with glaucoma can lose nerve tissue, resulting in peripheral vision loss.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Nearsightedness, or myopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which people can see close objects clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. It can be corrected with glasses, contacts or refractive eye surgery.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease affecting the macula (the center of the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye), causing loss of central vision.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a vision condition in which the shape of the crystalline lens of your eye changes. These changes make it difficult to focus on close objects.