Cataracts

[akwidow]

Dad is a WWII and ArmyNG retiree. He gets all his medical care at VAMC and pays co-pays for his meds, but nothing else is charged to him. He recently failed his vision test at the Motor Vehicle office when he went to renew his license, and after further examination at the VA clinic, he was found to have large cataracts. Does VC normally pay for this kind of surgery on a regular basis? I know they do not pay for glasses. I figured one of you would know the answer!

Thanks,

Akwidow

Edited September 13, 2009 by akwidow

[Pete53]

He may have to make a copay. If he has Medicare many will do it free and better quality Docs for the most part.

[john999]

I think the VA would pay for cataracts, but they have a high threshold for doing it. I would not let a VA doctor operate on my eyes. There are lots of very good eye doctors who take medicare and speak English in the bargain.

[Phil1]

I had a eye exam last week at the VA and my glasses were free. I'm not sure about cataracts but the doctor did say I had started to get cataracts and that they didn't need to be removed yet.

Phil

Dad is a WWII and ArmyNG retiree. He gets all his medical care at VAMC and pays co-pays for his meds, but nothing else is charged to him. He recently failed his vision test at the Motor Vehicle office when he went to renew his license, and after further examination at the VA clinic, he was found to have large cataracts. Does VC normally pay for this kind of surgery on a regular basis? I know they do not pay for glasses. I figured one of you would know the answer!

Thanks,

Akwidow

[vmo]

Pete is right about the possibility of a co-pay with the VAMC and they do, do cataract surgery. However, if he is retired Nat.Guard he should be drawing retired pay(?). Also, if military retiree--probably has TriCare thru military retired system. If he has Tricare in addition to Medicare, I would think the two should pretty much cover the cost of cataract surgery at private hospital.

Edited September 14, 2009 by vmo

[john999]

I think cataract surgery is outpatient. Many clinics or surgery centers do it.

[Teac]

Yes the va does cataract surgery, but don't let them do your dads. I speak form experinece I am in the middle of a Federal tort claim due to damage due to my eye during surgery. If your dad has other means then go that route. The va will supply eye glasses if rated 10% or more.