McConnell Optometry: Access to eye care Published May 6, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Mary Nelson 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The McConnell Optometry Clinic is currently seeing active duty patients for routine or annual exams only. Although Optometry is unable to see other TRICARE beneficiaries for these types of services, beneficiaries are authorized to be seen by any one of the TRICARE approved providers in the local area. No referral is necessary for an off base appointment; however the following criteria do apply: · Active duty dependents are authorized one eye exam per year off base. · Retiree dependents are authorized one eye exam every 2 years off base. When access permits, Optometry is able to see diabetic patients for their annual exams, regardless of their military status. If you are unable to be scheduled, have your primary care manager request a referral for a diabetic annual eye exam off base. Your referral will be approved, and you can be seen by the provider of your choice. If you are active duty and require a routine or annual exam, call the appointment line at 759-6300. The majority of our schedule opens up on a daily basis for same day appointments, so if no appointment is available when you call, more appointments will be open the following day. If you wear contact lenses, bring the contacts and the prescription or boxes that match the contacts, and we will update both your eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. If you are active duty and require a follow up with our clinic, call our clinic directly at 759-5122.