Eye Exams

Your eye exam coverage depends on:

• Who you are
• Your TRICARE plan
• Your age

You may need a referral or authorization before you get an eye exam. For the best information, please enter your plan info above.

Routine Eye Exams

You can visit an optometrist for a Routine Eye ExamAn exam of your vision and the health of your eyes..

• You’ll get a prescription for glasses if you need them
• A prescription for contact lenses requires a separate exam
• A routine eye exam is more than the simple vision screening test your primary care doctor may do with a standard eye chart

In general, TRICARE covers routine eye exams:

• As needed for active duty service members to maintain fitness for duty
• Once a year for active duty family members
• Every two years for all other TRICARE Prime beneficiaries  (e.g. retired service members, their families, etc.)
• Once a year for diabetic patients in TRICARE Prime

Note: Costs for eye exams vary based on plan.

Well-Child Eye ExamsEye exams through TRICARE’s Well-child Care benefit are routine eye exams that may be given every two years between the ages of three and six that also include screening for amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). These eye exams are provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

TRICARE covers well-child eye exams from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

• Every two years
• Between the ages of three and six
• Includes screening for amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes)
• No cost for well-child exams, regardless of plan

Ophthalmic Services

TRICARE covers eye exams and other specialized services to diagnose or treat eye conditions.