American Warriors
Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp
More than 250 U.S. service members participate in a mid-April naturalization ceremony that made them U.S. citizens. The event took place at Al Faw Palace, which is part of Camp Victory, Iraq. The troops are currently assigned to camps and forward operating bases throughout the country. It was the largest American naturalization ceremony in Iraq to date. “Our nation’s unique quality is that it weaves the world’s cultures into a great American tapestry, and our military benefits from their strengths,” said the ceremony’s presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, Multi-National Corps — Iraq. “Thank you all for sacrificing so much for the United States and for the Iraqi people.”
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McDonald Clinic expands optometry services
By Elizabeth Reid
McDonald Army Health Center
Two new optometrists recently joined the staff of McDonald Army Health Center (MCAHC) at Fort Eustis, and that has resulted in expanded services for military members, retirees and their families who are authorized to use the facility.
Dr. Jessica Currey and Dr. Lance Ough, both board-certified optical care specialists, are now working alongside Dr. (Maj.) Christine Watson, Chief of the Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Clinic (EENT). The team is providing a variety of optical services to include routine exams, refractions and eyeglass prescriptions, and comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Examinations by these providers will include an evaluation of vision, eye movement and balance, an inspection of the internal area of the eye for ocular disorders or disease, specialized testing, and treatment and ongoing care for conditions such as glaucoma or Dry Eye Syndrome.
Furthermore, the MCAHC clinic offers eyeglass fitting services. A licensed optician is on staff to assist individuals with special needs in this area. Eyeglass prescriptions obtained from an outside provider will be accepted. Please note that eyeglasses are available to active duty and retired service members only — dependents are not eligible for government subsidized eyewear.
Eye exams for prescription glasses for retired TRICARE Prime members and dependents are an enhanced benefit of the military healthcare system. Enrolled recipients are covered for one exam every 24 months. Eyeglass prescription exams for active duty members and dependents are allowed one time every 12 months.
Additionally, those individuals with underlying health conditions like Diabetes are allowed a dilated eye exam every 12 months. No eyeglass prescription will be provided for yearly dilated eye exams of this nature.
Use of the MCAHC Optometry Clinic does not require a referral from a primary care provider. The priority for appointments is active duty service members, MCAHC TRICARE Prime family members and retirees, and other eligible beneficiaries on a space available basis.
To schedule an appointment, call (866) 645-4584 — the number for the Hampton Roads Appointment Center — or use the TRICARE On-Line service at www.tricareonline.com.
Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairment due to various ocular diseases. By expanding its optometry department, MCAHC hopes to provide early intervention and treatment to those at risk for such eye diseases.
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