Glasses and Contacts

Your coverage for glasses or contacts depends on who you are. Please see the appropriate section to see your coverage.

Active Duty Service Members and ActivatedCalled or ordered to active duty service for more than 30 days in a row. Guard/Reserve Members

You can get glasses from the optometry clinic at your military hospital or clinic.

• One standard issue pair of glasses
• One standard issue pair of sunglasses
• One pair of glasses of your choice. You can choose from many frames and colors

If you don’t live near a military hospital or clinic, you can order your glasses from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown.

Non-Activated Guard/Reserve Members

Your unit will order your glasses from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown. 

• If you get called to active duty, you’ll get glasses like an active duty service member. See above.

Retired Service Members

You can order glasses from the Navy Ophthalmic Readiness Activity Yorktown. You can find ordering instructions and options on their website.

All Other Beneficiaries

TRICARE only covers glasses and contacts to treat certain conditions. This includes:

• Infantile glaucoma
• Corneal or scleral lenses for treatment of keratoconus
• Scleral lenses to retain moisture when normal tearing is not present or is inadequate
• Corneal or scleral lenses to reduce corneal irregularities other than astigmatism
• Intraocular lenses, contact lenses, or glasses for loss of human lens function resulting from intraocular surgery, ocular injury or congenital absence
• "Pinhole" glasses prescribed for use after surgery for detached retina

TRICARE doesn't cover adjustments, cleaning, and repairs for glasses.

FEDVIP Vision

You may be eligible for vision coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). If you’re eligible and want to enroll in a FEDVIP vision plan, you need to take action during a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or during the Federal Benefits Open Season. The Federal Benefits Open Season happens every Fall. >>Learn more.