Understanding Tricare & Eye Exams Off Base

  • Tricare Prime Active Duty - will cover a basic routine dilated eye health and vision exam for dependents off base without the need of a referral/authorization. Exams are covered once every 12 months/1 day from service date to service date.

  • Tricare Prime Retired - will cover a routine dilated eye health and vision exam off base for sponsors and dependents without the need of a referral/authorization. Exams are covered once every 24 months/1day from service date to service date.

  • Tricare Select Active Duty - will cover a basic routine dilated eye health and vision exam for dependents off base. Exams are covered once every 12 months/1day from service date to service date.

  • Tricare Select Retired - will cover a dilated eye health and vision exam for sponsors and dependents off base applying the deductible and/or coinsurance to the visit.

  • Tricare Active Reserved Select- will cover a basic routine dilated eye health and vision exam for dependents off base. Exams are covered once every 12 months/1day from service date to service date

Although most vision services are covered on base, there are serveral services Tricare does not cover off base:
  • Contact lens fittings
  • Optomap in lieu of dilation
  • Eye emergencies
  • non-routine visits
  • eye disease treatment/management (these visits require an authorization/referral)
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses

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