VA offers next-generation eye care for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded access to advanced eye care technology that eliminates the need for eye dilation in many routine exams, making vision care more convenient for veterans across the country. The Technology-based Eye Care Services program, known as TECS, now operates at more than 100 sites nationwide and uses next-generation imaging equipment that can examine the back of the eye without the discomfort and recovery time associated with traditional dilation drops. Air Force veteran Ben Parks experienced this firsthand at the Travis W. Atkins VA Clinic in Bozeman, Montana, where a freckle in his eye that had been monitored for 27 years through dilated exams was assessed using the new equipment without any dilation required.
The VA currently operates three major telehealth eye care programs that together serve more than 700 sites covering over 85 percent of the VA's network of hospitals and clinics, making it one of the largest telehealth deployments globally. TECS has been operational for more than a decade and provides routine vision exams, eyeglass prescriptions, and monitoring and treatment for common eye conditions. The program is staffed by VA ophthalmologists and optometrists who offer both routine and specialty care, with particular focus on veterans living in rural areas that may lack local eye care providers.
Veterans enrolled in VA health care who live in areas served by TECS can access these services through referrals from their primary care providers. The program is especially valuable for disabled veterans in rural communities who might otherwise face long drives to reach specialty care facilities. In Parks' case, the technology allowed him to receive comprehensive eye care in Bozeman rather than traveling to Missoula or Helena, a significant reduction in the burden of accessing care.
The TECS workflow involves a VA health technician performing intake and running appropriate diagnostic tests using the advanced imaging equipment, then coordinating with VA eye care providers who review results and contact patients remotely. Parks received a call from optometrist Grace Brown Bissonnette the day after his appointment to discuss his results, propose a treatment plan, and answer questions. This combination of in-person technical assessment and remote provider consultation allows the VA to extend specialist expertise to locations that would not otherwise support a full-time ophthalmologist or optometrist.
For disabled veterans managing multiple health conditions, particularly those with diabetes or other conditions requiring regular eye monitoring, this technology represents a meaningful quality-of-life improvement. Traditional eye dilation can cause light sensitivity lasting several hours, making it difficult or unsafe to drive and disrupting the rest of the day. The ability to complete routine monitoring without dilation reduces both the physical discomfort and the logistical challenges of attending regular appointments, which is especially important for veterans who already manage frequent medical visits for service-connected conditions.
Veterans interested in accessing telehealth eye care services should discuss options with their VA primary care team during their next appointment. Those not currently enrolled in VA health care but experiencing vision problems may want to explore enrollment, particularly if they live in rural areas where the TECS program offers significant advantages over community care options. Veterans can also use secure messaging through My HealtheVet to ask their care teams about the availability of these services at their local VA facility.