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Prescription Eyeware - Retired Military

Old 07-17-2020, 05:22 AM
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Default Prescription Eyeware - Retired Military

H Guys,

Researching possibilities of procuring needed prescription eyeware. Are there any retired types here that can weigh-in with getting aviator Rx glasses through military channels as a retiree? Or even VA channels?

Prescription glasses (commercially) is such a greedy racket. Doing cursory research, I have seen prices as high as $600 for the same clunky/junky glasses we get through NOSTRA.

Thanks for the help!
G
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Old 07-17-2020, 07:01 AM
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If you're older, you're probably going to need multiple corrections.

General consensus from pilots is that top-line Varilux progressives is the way to go, lesser brands will be hard to use in the cockpit. I doubt .gov will pay for those (easily $1K with nice frames). I use them, worth every dime.
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Old 07-17-2020, 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by rickair7777 View Post
If you're older, you're probably going to need multiple corrections.

General consensus from pilots is that top-line Varilux progressives is the way to go, lesser brands will be hard to use in the cockpit. I doubt .gov will pay for those (easily $1K with nice frames). I use them, worth every dime.
So, back to my original question: are there any means for retirees getting access to military RX glasses?
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Old 07-17-2020, 09:53 AM
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Have you tried calling the optometry clinic at your local military base?
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Old 07-20-2020, 03:58 PM
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if you end up having to pay out of pocket, Wal Mart or Costco is your best bet.
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Old 07-20-2020, 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by navigatro View Post
if you end up having to pay out of pocket, Wal Mart or Costco is your best bet.

Second this. Costco is half as much as the insurance racket shops for the same product. The only problem is they don't have the super high end ultra HD progressive lenses that a lot of 45+ pilots prefer.
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Old 07-20-2020, 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by e6bpilot View Post
The only problem is they don't have the super high end ultra HD progressive lenses that a lot of 45+ pilots prefer.
Also super expensive. And worth every penny.
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Old 07-20-2020, 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by rickair7777 View Post
Also super expensive. And worth every penny.
I concur.

My optometrist gives a 40% military discount...better than my insurance coverage. The optometrist received his education through the US Army!
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