New process launched for eyeglasses

Beginning Jan. 15, the Canadian Forces Health Services Group launched a new process for the provision of eyeglasses to Canadian Armed Forces members.

This process will not apply to CAF recruits in St. Jean where an onsite provider will remain in place for provision of eyeglasses to that population.

When a determination is made at the member’s supporting health care clinic that new eyeglasses are required, the member will report with paperwork from the clinic to an optical provider of their choice.

This will not include use of online providers due to an inability to guarantee prescription and initial fitting accuracy in that environment.

As with other medical corrective devices, a cost limit is set with the claims administrator and is based on reasonable and customary costs for eyeglasses.

Costs over and above these amounts will be an individual CAF member responsibility, which is not unlike the current situation under a contracted provider.

Further details on this process will be distributed by your supporting health care clinic when eyeglass provision is next required.

Note that members must report to the clinic prior to obtaining eyeglasses at a provider of choice to ensure eligibility for eyeglasses replacement or initial issue.

It is expected that this new process will increase CAF member choice in eyeglasses while reducing out of pocket expenses through individual exploration of cost effective options.

DND