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15th Wing Optometry Clinic focuses on patients

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The 15th Wing Optometry Clinic on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is now offering free eye exams for dependents and retirees.

To utilize this service patients are asked to call the 15th Wing clinic's central appointment line and be connected to the Optometry Clinic to set up an appointment.

"I think it's great that the eye clinic is offering exams to dependents and retirees. At first we had to actually go out on the economy to receive this service, but having the service here makes things a lot more convenient," said Maj. Callistus Elbourne, Pacific Air Forces Air Postal Squadron commander.

"We see ages 7-64 now," said Maj. Alane Durand, 15th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Optometry Element chief. "The eye exam is very similar to an active-duty eye exam, but varies depending on the age of the patient."

Providing the eye exams on base will allow patients to receive their prescriptions free of charge--though dependents will still need to purchase their glasses or contacts lenses from an off-base establishment.

In addition to dependents and retirees, the clinic will still continue to see all active-duty patients.

Durand said though there is no requirement for service members to get eye exams. However the American Optometric Association recommends that everyone has an exam at least every three years.

"Eyesight diminishes a little bit over the years," she said. "Once you reach your 40's you begin to lose your ability to focus up close and may need reading glasses--whether your eyes are prefect or not. As you get older the optics of the eye, the cornea and lenses, are not as clear. So people don't see as well, but typically we see that at age 60 and above."

Durand said in order to maintain good eyesight between optometry visits, people should wear sunglasses that provide 100% ultraviolet protection when outdoors and avoid cigarette smoke.

"Additionally if you play any sports make sure you wear proper protection, sports goggles for squash, racquet ball and even basketball. Our number one eye injury is corneal abrasions, due to a finger to the eye while playing basketball," said Durand.

The eye clinic also reminds deploying service members to utilize the G-Eyes program. G-Eyes is a unique system, which allows Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in deployed locations to reorder prescription glasses, gas mask inserts, military combat eye protection prescription and lens directly from the internet.
To register for the G-Eyes program, visit https://g-eyes.amedd.army.mil/.