Optometry
The Eielson Optometry Clinic was converted to support active duty personnel only on April 1, 2020 due to the large influx of personnel associated with the stand-up of the F-35 program.
Dependents of active duty personnel are authorized to been seen by an off-base civilian optometrist for a routine eye exam every 12 months without a referral. Please confirm that the civilian optometry clinic is empaneled within the TRICARE network. Although the routine eye exam is covered under TRICARE, contact lens fittings / prescriptions are not a TRICARE-covered benefit. All contact lens-related care will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Retirees and dependents of retirees are authorized to been seen by an off-base civilian optometrist for a routine eye exam every 24 months without a referral. Please confirm that the civilian optometry clinic is empaneled within the TRICARE network. Although the routine eye exam is covered under TRICARE, contact lens fittings/prescriptions are not a TRICARE-covered benefit. All contact lens-related care will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Services offered:
- Routine eye care, including glasses prescriptions
- Diagnosis and management of eye disease and vision disorders
- Treatment of mild to moderate eye trauma
- Refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK) pre- and post-operative exams
- Treatment of ocular infections
Contact lenses: As mentioned above, contact lens fittings/prescriptions are not covered under TRICARE. Initial contact lens fittings will need to be performed by an off-base civilian provider as an out-of-pocket expense. However, as mission allows, we may be able to update your existing contact prescription, provided you bring the following items with you to your exam:
- Current contact lenses
- Previous contact lens prescription (or the boxes or blister packs)
- Personal bottle of contact lens solution (this is due to the risk of transmitting COVID-19 by the use of a community bottle)
- Note: If you are missing any of the above items, you will need to pursue your contact lens fitting off-base.
Eye emergencies: Please go directly to the Emergency Room at Bassett Army Community Hospital (Fort Wainwright) or call 911.