Veterans Eye Care Information
In-depth legislation and eye care information for veterans
If you are looking for in-depth coverage of veterans eye care legislation, Veterans Affairs eye care news and the latest veteran eye health information, EyeSmart has you covered. Look here first to get information specifically of interest to veterans.
An ophthalmic history exhibit created by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Museum of Vision, titled "Eyes of War," explores the sacrifices and contributions of ophthalmologists as well as ophthalmic innovations made during World War II.
In the U.S., there are approximately 160,000 legally blind veterans. When you factor in the number of veterans diagnosed with low vision, the number jumps to more than one million veterans.
"Joe" served in Iraq in 2007. While there, he experienced five head concussions from improvised explosive devices, but no penetrating injuries. When his tour of duty was complete, he returned home with no apparent head injuries other than the concussions.
James Peake, MD, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and S. Ward Casscells, MD, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Defense, were featured presenters at an April, 2008 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They discussed how their respective departments are collaborating to improve care for military personnel who suffer serious eye injuries while serving on active duty.
A measure signed into law in 2008 will improve the ability of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Health Administrations to treat those serving on active duty who have suffered serious eye injuries. The legislation, passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, will establish a Center of Excellence within the DoD to improve the tracking, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for service members who have incurred eye injuries while serving on active duty.