Vision/Optometry

Primary and Specialty Eye Care

Currently, the Moody Optometry Clinic sees only active duty service members. During high demand periods or staffing shortages, active duty service members may be referred to the local network for optometry services. 

The Optometry Clinic provides primary comprehensive eye examinations addressing refractive errors, acute and chronic ocular health conditions, and the treatment and management of ocular diseases. 
 
If secondary ophthalmologic care or surgical intervention is necessary, referrals are generated to ophthalmology or other subspecialty clinics. 
  
Eyeglasses are provided to active duty service members and retirees. A written eyeglasses prescription will be provided to obtain civilian frames as desired. 
 
Please note: If you’ve suffered an eye injury and are in danger of losing your eyesight, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.  

  
Diabetic retinopathy screening is available annually on a space-available basis. 
 
Flight physicals requiring refraction are by appointment only. 
 
We do not offer new contact lens fittings. However, we’ll make every effort to update existing contact lens prescriptions if the service member brings the contact lenses and prescription/parameters to the scheduled comprehensive eye exam, along with current glasses. 
  
Contact lens fittings can and do change due to various reasons; we may not be able to renew an improperly fitting contact lens prescription.  
  
Non-medical contact lenses are not a TRICARE-covered benefit. 

Our Services Include 

• Comprehensive primary eye care 

• Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases 

• Evaluation of ocular manifestations of diabetes and other systemic diseases 

• Vision testing for driver’s license renewal 

• DOD Medical Evaluation Review Board examinations 

• Eyeglass dispensing for active duty service members and retirees 

• Visual acuity testing (DVAs) and individual medical readiness updates 

• MEDPROS updates 

• Flight line color vision testing 

• Pre-employment physicals, etc. 

What Should I Bring?

• Current eyeglasses
• If you wear contact lenses, bring them to the appointment, along with the box the contacts came in or the current contact lens prescription.

Aviator/Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program

 
Patients inquiring about refractive surgery (PRK or LASIK) must contact the optometry clinic at 229-257-7291.

What is Refractive Eye Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a procedure to correct refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) by reshaping the cornea – the clear outermost layer of the eye that functions like a window and focuses light.

What is SMILE, LASIK, and PRK?

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) are outpatient surgical procedures.

In SMILE, a laser is used to create a thin contact lens-shaped layer just beneath the corneal surface. That layer is then removed through a small opening, correcting your vision. The treatment is minimally invasive and requires no flap, unlike LASIK.

In LASIK, a thin flap in the cornea is created by a femtosecond laser. The surgeon then folds back the flap, and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the patient’s refractive error. The flap is then placed back into its original position and allowed to heal in place.

In PRK, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed. The cornea is then reshaped by an excimer laser. A bandage contact lens is placed, and the eye is allowed to heal.

Who is eligible for refractive surgery?

Eligible members include active duty service members of:

• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Public Health Service
• U.S. Space Force
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Any allied forces

* National Guard and Reserve service members on active duty status, including aviators and warfighters, may be eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Service members must complete a refractive surgery application package, which includes a commander’s authorization signed by their squadron commander (or equivalent) in pay grade O-3 or above.
Before applying for corneal refractive surgery (CRS), members must be aware there are two management groups, Aviation and Aviation Related Special Duty Program and the Warfighter Program.

Air Force AASD only: in accordance with Air Force policy, before any CRS treatment (DOD or civilian), the patient must have "Permission to Proceed" authorization.

Members of the Air Force and Army are required to have 6 months of active duty retainability; Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members are required to have 12 months of active duty retainability.

• Members must be at least 21 years of age
• Stable glasses or contact lens prescription for greater than 12 months
• Willing and capable of complying with postoperative examinations for 12 months after surgery