Military Spectacles & Contact Lens Service: Regulation & Duties, Lecture notes of Aviation

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Army Regulation 40–

SECNAVINST 6810.

AFI 44–

Medical Services

Ophthalmic

Services

Headquarters Departments of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force Washington, DC 14 April 2015

UNCLASSIFIED

SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 40–63/SECNAVINST 6810.1/AFI 44–

Ophthalmic Services

This is a major revision, dated 14 April 2015--

o Updates responsibilities (para 1-4).

o Introduces the Optical Fabrication Enterprise and the Optical Fabrication Advisory Board (para 1-5).

o Updates eligibility and reason for issuing spectacles by military optical laboratories (para 1-6 and table 1-1).

o Provides updates to information that specifically addresses frames, lenses, and lens treatments available through military optical laboratories into a new chapter (chap 2).

o Adds Frame of Choice as an additional frame benefit (para 2-2).

o Adds detailed information pertaining to Military Combat Eye Protection/ Ballistic Protective Eyewear information, to include ordering instructions for prescription inserts (para 2-5 b ).

o Updates the procedures for obtaining eyewear (chap 3).

o Incorporates instructions for preparing DD Form 771 (paras 3-3 and 3-8).

o Introduces the Spectacle Request Transmission System used across the Department of Defense for electronic ordering of eyewear (para 3-3 b ).

o Introduces the G-Eyes Web-based interface to Spectacle Request Transmission System that is available to deployed military personnel in specific locations to allow them to directly reorder eyewear without having to travel to a medical treatment facility (para 3-3 d ).

o Incorporates the procedures on furnishing spectacles to the National Guard and Reserve into chapter 3 (para 3-8).

o Updates the Contact Lens Services chapter to reflect current clinic and service policies on the issue, provision, and wear of contact lenses (chap 4).

o Adds a new program responsibilities chapter for the ordering site, the optical fabrication laboratory, and the Spectacle Request Transmission System Program (chap 5).

o Adds a new deployment guidance chapter for both military operations and humanitarian missions (chap 6).

o Adds an policy on detailing the eligibility codes for use in the Spectacle Request Transmission System (app B).

o Adds an Internal Control Evaluation (app C).

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

• Chapter
• Introduction, page
• Purpose • 1–1, page
• References • 1–2, page
• Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1–3, page
• Responsibilities • 1–4, page
• Optical Fabrication Enterprise and the Optical Fabrication Advisory Board • 1–5, page
• Eligible personnel and authorized benefits • 1–6, page
• Chapter
• Obtaining Spectacles, page
• Standard issue • 2–1, page
• Frame of choice • 2–2, page
• Half-eyes • 2–3, page
• Aviation frames • 2–4, page
• Protective eyewear • 2–5, page
• Protective mask inserts • 2–6, page
• Laser eye protection prescription devices • 2–7, page
• Lens material • 2–8, page
• Multifocal lenses • 2–9, page
• Lens tinting • 2–10, page
• Lens coatings • 2–11, page
• Specialty lenses • 2–12, page
• Chapter
• Obtaining Eyewear, page
• Examination of eyes • 3–1, page
• Spectacle priority system • 3–2, page
• Ordering eyewear • 3–3, page
• Issue of spectacles • 3–4, page
• Notes on products and lens parameters • 3–5, page
• Delivery of spectacles • 3–6, page
• Repair or replacement of spectacles • 3–7, page
• Furnishing spectacles on a reimbursable basis • 3–8, page
• Chapter
• Contact Lens Service, page
• Issue of contact lenses • 4–1, page
• Guidelines for approval and issue of contact lenses at Government expense • 4–2, page
• Guidelines for providing cosmetic or elective contact lens services in military eye clinics • 4–3, page
• Service contact lens wear policy • 4–4, page
• Chapter
• Program Responsibilities, page
• Ordering site • 5–1, page
• Optical fabrication laboratory • 5–2, page
• Spectacle Request Transmission System Program • 5–3, page
• Chapter
• Deployment Guidance, page
• Deployment to military operations • 6–1, page
• Deployment for humanitarian missions • 6–2, page
• ii AR 40–63/SECNAVINST 6810.1/AFI 44–117 • 14 April

Contents—Continued

Appendixes

A. References, page 21

B. Listing of Eligibility Codes Used for Spectacle Request Transmission System Orders, page 22

C. Internal Control Evaluation, page 25

Table List

Table 1–1: Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories, page 2 Table B–1: Spectacle Request Transmission System eligibility codes, page 23

Glossary

AR 40–63/SECNAVINST 6810.1/AFI 44–117 • 14 April 2015 iii

Chapter 1

Introduction

1–1. Purpose This regulation provides uniform guidance and prescribes policies for spectacles, contact lenses, and related ocular devices. It includes the manner and conditions under which such eyewear is provided and indicates the source from which eyewear is obtained.

1–2. References Required and related publications and prescribed and referenced forms are listed in appendix A.

1–3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms Abbreviations and special terms used in this regulation are explained in the glossary.

1–4. Responsibilities a. Command medical authority. The command medical authority will provide clinical ophthalmic support for their Service. This includes development of new policy and changing of existing policy, which requires the coordination of each Service. b. Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, U.S. Medical Department. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, U.S. Medical Department will chair the Optical Fabrication Advisory Board (OFAB). c. Navy. The Navy, as Executive Agent for ophthalmic fabrication will— (1) Designate the Program Executor for ophthalmic fabrication. (2) Provide ophthalmic fabrication support for each of the Services. d. Army. The Army will provide ophthalmic fabrication support for each of the Services. e. Air Force. The Air Force will provide ophthalmic clinic support. This includes development of new policy and changing of existing policy, which requires the coordination of each Service.

1–5. Optical Fabrication Enterprise and the Optical Fabrication Advisory Board a. Optical Fabrication Enterprise. The Optical Fabrication Enterprise (OFE) was established by a memorandum of agreement among the Tri-Service Surgeons General in April 1999. It is comprised of Army and Navy optical fabrication labs around the world that in combination produce eyewear for DOD-approved beneficiaries. The purpose of the OFE is to coordinate and foster cooperation between the three Services to realize the greatest speed and value for optical fabrication. The Navy is the lead Service for optical fabrication, and the Navy Surgeon General has designated the Commanding Officer of the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) as the Program Executor. The OFE Executor is advised by the OFAB. b. Optical Fabrication Advisory Board. The OFAB is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, U.S. Army Medical Department. Voting members of the OFAB include the chair, optometry consultants from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the lead enlisted opticians from the Army and Navy. Additional Tri-Service clinicians, opticians, and other support staff are determined as needed by the voting members. The OFAB provides Tri-Service advice and direction from the ophthalmic functional community. The OFAB meets quarterly to review all aspects of optical fabrication across the DOD and works in concert with the OFE to continually improve the processes and products of the OFE. c. Proposals for optical fabrication requirements. Any DOD organization or outside agency proposing new require- ments for lenses, frames, or inserts must coordinate action through the OFAB and the OFE Program Executor, Commanding Officer of the NOSTRA, concerning the ability to meet these requirements.

1–6. Eligible personnel and authorized benefits The categories of individuals who are authorized the issue and repair of eyewear and the basis of issue are shown in table 1–1. a. Additional spectacle requirements. The special categories listed below have additional requirements over and above those shown in table 1–1. (1) Aviation. Service-approved aviation spectacles will be issued to applicants, students, and designated aviation personnel with assigned duty in a service flying class, certain nonflying aviation-related personnel, and other non- aviation personnel on flight orders as defined by Service-specific regulations (see AR 40–501, NAVMED P–117, AFI 48–123). Aviation spectacles are issued in addition to all other authorized spectacles and inserts. Additional details are in paragraph 2−4. (2) Submariners. Personnel assigned to submarine duty will be issued submariner frames in addition to their normally authorized spectacles. b. Reimbursable fabrication. Spectacles may be furnished to the categories of individuals below on a reimbursable basis. Computed reimbursable rates are outlined in paragraph 3−3 e (2).

(1) Dependents of members of the uniformed services outside the continental United States or at military installa- tions within the United States that are designated as remote for the purpose of providing spectacle service to dependents per Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1077(b)(2) (10 USC 1077(b)(2)). (2) Dependents of foreign military personnel of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations and of other officially recognized foreign military personnel at military installations within the United States that are designated as remote for the purpose of providing spectacle service to dependents of members of the U.S. uniformed services. (3) Civilian employees of the DOD (and their dependents) employed at military installations outside the United States and at stations within the United States that are designated as remote for the purpose of providing— (a) Medical care to civilian employees. (b) Spectacles to dependents of uniformed services personnel. (4) Foreign civilian personnel accompanying foreign military personnel of the NATO nations (and their dependents) and other officially recognized foreign civilian personnel at military installations within the United States that are designated as remote for the purpose of providing— (a) Medical care to civilian employees. (b) Spectacles to dependents of uniformed services personnel. (5) Foreign national aircrew personnel with flight orders who are assigned duties aboard a military aircraft in flight that are essential to the operation of the aircraft are eligible to receive flight frames as detailed in paragraph 2−4. (6) Nonmilitary personnel authorized medical care at military treatment facilities (MTFs) outside the United States. (7) DOD contracted and/or civilian aircrew personnel with flight orders who are assigned duties aboard a military aircraft in flight that are essential to the operation of the aircraft are eligible to receive flight frames as detailed in paragraph 2−4.

Table 1– Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories

Category Spectacles authorized Basis of issue Section I—Members of the uniformed services (See chap 6 for deployment issue)

1. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

a. Active duty (AD). Yes. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

b. Reserve Components (RCs) on active duty for 31 days or more, and members of the National Guard who are called to active Federal service for 31 days or more.

Yes. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

c. RCs and National Guard on active duty for 30 days or less (active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training), who damage or lose their spectacles in the line of duty and not as a result of negligence.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI, 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

d. Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students who become disabled as a result of injury or illness incurred in the line of duty, or without reference to line of duty while attending field training or prac- tice cruises under the provisions of 10 USC 2109, and not as a result of negligence.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

2. Coast Guard, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and Commis- sioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

a. Active duty Yes. Reimbursable by the United States (U.S.) Public Health Service, Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Health and Human Services, as appro- priate.

Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

b. RCs on active duty for 31 days or more. Yes. Reimbursable by the U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Health and Human Services, as appropriate.

Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

Table 1– Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories—Continued

Category Spectacles authorized Basis of issue

a. Accompanying NATO and PFP military personnel as employees of an armed serv- ice of the nation concerned (providing they are neither Stateless persons nor nationals of any State that is not a party of NATO or PFP, nor nationals of ordinarily residents in the U.S. to include dependents).

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 4.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 4

b. Not covered elsewhere in this category but are in the U.S. in a status officially rec- ognized by and determined to be eligible by the sponsoring military department. The person must apply for determination of eli- gibility through the military attaché of his or her country stationed in Washington, DC.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 4.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 4

13. Foreign military active duty personnel of non-NATO nations serving in the U.S. Includes non-NATO active duty personnel:

a. On duty in the U.S. at the invitation of DOD or one of the military departments (in- cludes visiting ships and aircraft crews).

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required.

b. Assigned or attached to U.S. military units for duty.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required.

c. Accredited to joint U.S. defense boards or commissions.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. 1 pair FOC or SI

d. Assigned to their country’s embassy. Yes, on a reimbursable basis. 1 pair FOC or SI

14. Dependents of the above foreign mili- tary personnel of non-NATO nations in the U.S.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 3.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 3

15. Foreign civilian personnel accompany- ing foreign military personnel of non-NATO nations in the U.S. and their dependents; and other officially recognized foreign civil- ian personnel in the U.S.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 4.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 4

16. International Military Educational Train- ing (IMET) trainees (military and civilian) when assigned or attached to U.S. military units for training. Reimbursement will be obtained in accordance with Service regu- lations.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

17. Dependents of IMET military trainees. No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 5.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 5

18. Foreign military sales trainees (military and civilian) when assigned or attached to U.S. military units for training. Reimburse- ment will be obtained in accordance with Service regulations.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

19. Special foreign nationals outside the U.S. when the major overseas commander determines that such action can be ex- pected to contribute to the advancement of the public interest of the U.S. Generally, this service will be afforded only to foreign officials of high national importance. Nor- mally, the recommendations of the chief of the diplomatic mission to the country in- volved will be sought before making the foregoing determination. Reimbursement will be obtained in accordance with Service regulations.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

20. Liaison personnel (officers and mem- bers of liaison detachments) from a NATO or PFP Armed Force outside the U.S.

Yes. Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required

Table 1– Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories—Continued

Category Spectacles authorized Basis of issue

21. Foreign nationals who contribute to the accomplishment of the mission of an over- seas commander when such service is deemed essential by the major overseas commander concerned and it has been de- termined that adequate civilian facilities are not available.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

Up to 3 pair spec (1 FOC/ 2 SI), 1 PMI, and MCEP insert as required if eligible under note 6

Section VI—Beneficiaries of other Federal agencies

22. Beneficiaries of the Veterans’ Adminis- tration (VA) when authorized in advance by the VA field office having jurisdiction. DD Form 7A (Report of Treatment Furnished Pay Patients: Outpatient Treatment Fur- nished (Part B)), submitted as directed by Service regulations will show type of spec- tacles furnished and the cost.

Yes, on a reimbursable basis. 1 pair FOC or SI

23. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Program’s (OWCP) beneficiary personnel listed below when required in the proper treatment of a case, upon presentation of Department of Labor (DOL) Form CA- (Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment) with Part A prepared and signed by the official superior of the benefi- ciary:

a. Members of the ROTC of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, provided the condition necessitating the use of spectacles for treatment was incurred in the line of duty under one of the circumstances below.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

(1) While performing travel to or from camps or cruises.

(2) While undergoing flight instruction.

(3) During attendance at training camps or while on cruises (care after termination of training camps or cruises).

b. Employees of the U.S. Government. For injury or disease that is the proximate re- sult of their employment. The OWCP will not be billed for spectacles furnished to a Service’s own employees.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

c. Volunteer civilian members of the Civil Air Patrol (except Civil Air Patrol cadets). For injury or disease that is the proximate result of active service, and travel to and from such service, rendered in perform- ance or support of operational missions of the Civil Air Patrol under direction and writ- ten authorization of the Air Force.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

d. Peace Corps volunteers. For injury or disease that is the proximate result of their employment or that was sustained or con- tracted while located outside the U.S. or its territories.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

e. Job Corps enrollees and Volunteers in Service to America. For injury or disease that is the proximate result of their employ- ment. When spectacles are furnished to an Office of Foreign Economic Coordination beneficiary, DD Form 7A will be submitted as in category 21 above.

Yes. 1 pair FOC or SI

Table 1– Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories—Continued

Category Spectacles authorized Basis of issue

b. Dependents of full-time paid Red Cross professional staff and of uniformed full-time paid secretarial and clerical workers ac- companying their sponsors outside the U.S. when sponsors are on duty with a uni- formed service.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6.

32. Civilian employees of DOD contractors and their dependents.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in notes 6 and 7.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6 and, in addition, 1 PMI, 1 MCEP insert if eligible under note 7.

33. Persons outside the U.S. who contrib- ute to the accomplishment of a major over- sea commander’s mission. Includes:

a. Civilian representatives of religious groups, celebrities, and entertainers; repre- sentatives of the United Services Organiza- tion (USO), other social agencies, and educational institutions; and persons in similar status providing direct services to the U.S. Armed Forces, who are acting under official invitation orders from the DOD, or from one of the military depart- ments, to visit military commands over- seas.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6.

b. Dependents of the USO overseas area executives, club directors, and associate club directors when accompanying their sponsors outside the U.S.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6

c. Entertainers on overseas tours under the Armed Forces Professional Entertainment Program.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6

d. Educational representatives of recog- nized educational institutions regularly as- signed to duty in military commands over- seas, and their dependents, when residing with their sponsors.

No, except on a reimbursable basis only as provided in note 6.

1 pair FOC or SI if eligible under note 6

34. Residents of the Armed Forces Retire- ment Homes (Washington, DC and Gulfport, MS) when authorized by the Chief Operating Officer, Armed Forces Retire- ment Homes.

Yes. 1 pair SI

Legend for Table 1-1: DOL=Department of Labor FOC=frame of choice IMET=international military education training MCEP=military combat eye protection NATO=North Atlantic Treaty Organization OWCP=Office of Workers’ Compensation Program PFP=partnership for peace PMI=protective mask insert POW=Prisoner of War RCs=Reserve Components RHCA=Reciprocal Health Care Agreement ROTC=Reserve Officers’ Training Corps SI=standard issue TAMP=Transition Assistance Management Program USO=United Services Organization VA=Veterans Administration Notes: (^1) Spectacles may be furnished on a reimbursable basis to dependents outside the U.S. and at stations within the U.S. that are designated remote for this service. Spectacles or contact lenses may be purchased, from funds available to the MTF, for dependents requiring these items for complete medical or sur- gical management of eye conditions.

Table 1– Personnel authorized issue of spectacles by military ophthalmic laboratories—Continued (^2) Spectacles may be furnished for these individuals on a reimbursable basis outside the U.S. and at stations within the U.S. that are designated remote for the purpose of furnishing medical care to civilian employees and for the purpose of providing spectacles to dependents of U.S. uniformed services personnel. (^3) Spectacles may be furnished for these individuals on a reimbursable basis at stations within the U.S. that are designated remote for the purpose of furnishing such items to dependents of U.S. uniformed services personnel. (^4) Spectacles may be furnished for these individuals on a reimbursable basis at stations within the U.S. that are designated remote for the purpose of furnishing medical care to U.S. civilian employees and for the purpose of providing spectacles to dependents of uniformed services personnel. (^5) Spectacles may be furnished for these individuals on a reimbursable basis outside the U.S. and at stations within the U.S. that are designated remote for the purpose of furnishing such items to dependents of U.S. Uniformed Services personnel. (^6) Spectacles may be furnished for these individuals on a reimbursable basis outside the continental United States. (^7) Contractors serving in contingency operations and/or accompanying U.S. troops on deployments will be furnished spectacle inserts for protective field masks and MCEP when the masks and/or MCEP are issued as protective equipment under the provision of service regulations on a reimbursable basis. (^8) For available updates on eligibility, visit the OFE Web site at: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/defauls.aspx.

Chapter 2

Obtaining Spectacles

2–1. Standard issue Standard issue frames are sturdy, durable eyewear issued to initial entry trainees of all Services. They are also available to regular AD, retirees, and other eligible beneficiaries as noted in table 1–1. For the latest information on current standard issue choices visit the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx.

2–2. Frame of choice FOC is a collection of civilian style frames offered to AD military and eligible National Guard and Reserve Service members after completion of initial entry training. Specific procedures and requirements for how FOC is managed are provided below. a. Eligibility. The FOC Spectacle Program is available to eligible personnel at Military Health System (MHS) MTFs as follows: (1) Permanent party AD Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps personnel. (2) FOC will not be issued to AD personnel until after the first 30 days of current service unless specified by Service regulation (T-0). (3) FOC will not be issued to RC personnel who are on AD orders until after the first 30 days of current continuous obligated AD for training not covered under 10 USC 10147 (T-0). Deploying Reserve Service members in receipt of orders for activation lasting longer than 30 days will be considered AD for the purpose of FOC eligibility. (4) Other eligible beneficiaries as noted in table 1−1. (5) Military retirees, to include retired general and/or flag officers, are not eligible for the FOC Spectacle Program. b. Responsibilities. (1) Program Executor Optical Fabrication Enterprise. The Program Executor OFE is the administrator of the FOC Program and will— (a) Develop policies and program guidance for managing, planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the FOC Program. This includes directing and coordinating the optical support units, NOSTRA satellite units, and Army optical fabrication laboratories that will provide FOCs to the Services. (b) Continuously monitor and evaluate program costs. (c) Measure results and maintain metrics and the reporting system. (d) Coordinate with Service ordering sites for providing the FOC Program to all eligible beneficiaries. (2) Optical labs. Each optical lab will act as the coordinator for the FOC Program in their service area. They are responsible for the following: (a) Implementing and complying with this notice (b) Maintaining lines of communication with ordering sites to conduct the FOC Program by the most effective and efficient means. (c) Tracking and reporting adverse product trends to NOSTRA. This includes frame defects and poor frame durability under operational conditions. (3) Ordering sites. The sites are responsible for the following: (a) Fitting and dispensing FOC (T-0). (b) Ordering FOC and assuring that new measurements are completed at each fitting unless an identical frame, size, and/or segment height is being reordered (T-0). (c) Ordering FOC using any accepted eyewear order procedure and documenting the order and fitting characteristics in the patient’s medical record (Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application or paper) (T-0).

d. Eligible personnel will be furnished the types and number of pairs of aviation spectacles shown below. (1) Aviation prescription spectacles. Two pairs of clear and two pairs of N-15 grey tinted sunglasses will be provided to the following qualified personnel: (a) Army flight classes 1, 2, 3, or 4. (b) Navy flight classes I, II, or III. (c) Air Force flight classes I, II, III and authorized Aviation-Related Special Duty. (T-0) (2) Aviation clear antireflective-coated spectacles (two pairs). Coated spectacles will be provided only on a case-by- case basis when specifically requested with justification by the prescribing officer (T-0). When coated spectacles are ordered, clear spectacles authorized in paragraph (1) will not be ordered. (3) Night vision devices. Air Force aircrew or authorized Aviation-Related Special Duty members who require corrective lenses in order to meet the visual acuity standards for flying, and who are required to wear night vision devices in the performance of flying duties, are encouraged to wear soft contact lenses when performing these duties. If they cannot, do not wish to, or are not authorized to wear soft contact lenses they will wear the approved Air Force flight frame with either polycarbonate or 3.0 millimeter (mm) thick CR-39 plastic when using night vision devices (see para 6–1i). (T-0) Two pairs are authorized. (4) Nonprescription devices. Nonprescription (plano) clear or tinted lenses are not provided by the OFE. Non- prescription clear or sunglasses in Service-approved spectacle frames – to include polycarbonate – will be provided according to Service-specific guidance. (T-0) For information on Service-specific flight frames visit the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. e. Specific provisions for aviation spectacles allowances— (1) A pilot who has a significant change in vision that will, without spectacles, result in immediate grounding and degrade combat readiness and effectiveness of the unit to which assigned may be provided one pair of aviation clear spectacles on a priority basis. (2) Pilot trainees will be provided aviation spectacles immediately before reporting for the flying phase of training. (T-0) A pilot trainee who develops ametropia either upon entering or during flight training may be provided one pair of aviation clear (uncoated) spectacles on a priority basis when necessary to prevent washback in the training program. (3) Nonflying team members of the Navy Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds will be provided aviation prescription sunglasses (one pair) and aviation clear prescription spectacles (one pair). (T-0) (4) Deployable members of the U.S. Navy Navigation Aids Support Unit will be provided aviation prescription sunglasses (one pair) and aviation clear prescription spectacles (one pair). (5) Navy parachute riggers who are required to perform parachute testing will be provided one pair of aviation prescription sunglasses. (6) Nonflying physiological training personnel required to perform chamber duties will be provided one pair of aviation clear prescription spectacles. (T-0) (7) High altitude and/or low opening and high altitude airdrop mission support personnel will be provided two pairs of aviation clear prescription spectacles and two pairs of aviation prescription sunglasses. (T-0) (8) Missile propellant transfer personnel required to wear rocket fuel handler clothing when performing missile fuel transfer and inspection duties will be provided two pairs of aviation clear prescription spectacles with comfort cable temples. (T-0) (9) Other personnel, as authorized by Service-specific instruction, are also eligible for aviation frames (one pair clear, one pair N-15 grey tint), to include, but not limited to the folliwng: Medal of Honor recipients, repatriated POW, ceremonial guard units, recruiters, and Service band members. (10) The OFE does not manage or issue plano clear or tinted aviator style frames. They are available through normal supply channels for unit order and other Service-specific methods per individual Service regulations.

2–5. Protective eyewear a. Industrial safety glasses. Plano and prescription industrial safety eyewear for AD military personnel and civilian employees are not produced by the OFE and will be obtained locally by the requiring activities according to Service safety regulations. All safety eyewear will meet the performance and marking specification of the most current version of the American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) Z87.1. In overseas locations where local procurement of safety eyewear is problematic, the production of MCEP inserts for use by civilians with MCEP devices may be authorized on a reimbursable basis. b. Military combat eye protection and/or ballistic protective eyewear. The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office- Soldier (PEO-Soldier) has developed an authorized protective eyewear list (APEL) which contains a selection of commercial off-the-shelf products that have been tested and validated to meet both the current ANSI/ISEA Z87. standard as well as the enhanced V50 Military Ballistic standards. The APEL consists of both spectacle and goggle devices that provide eye protection for combat, training, and any military duty where eye hazards are present. MCEP is the term used by the Army and Navy; ballistic protective eyewear (BPE) is the term used by the Air Force and Marine Corps. The OFE does not manage or issue these devices. They are available through normal supply channels for unit

order and other Service-specific methods per individual Service regulations. All devices can be worn by those not requiring a prescription. Personnel who wear glasses will be required to wear an insert as described below. (1) Patients who require a prescription for their vision will need optical inserts for their MCEP and/or BPE devices. Only inserts produced by a military optical lab have been validated to meet all performance requirements. They are the only authorized inserts for use in APEL devices. (2) The inserts are device specific, so patients will need to identify their device to ensure they receive the proper insert. (3) Other inserts for additional protective eyewear programs, such as the Flight Ballistic Eyewear Program, will become available through OFE labs as they are approved. For the latest information on available MCEP/BPE inserts visit the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx.

2–6. Protective mask inserts Military ophthalmic laboratories fabricate spectacle inserts for most of the various types of protective masks authorized for use by the military. For the latest information on any changes visit the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/ sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. a. Spectacle inserts for protective masks (one pair) will be issued to personnel who are— (1) AD military. (2) Cadets and midshipmen of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. (3) Attending service Initial Entry Training courses. (4) Assigned to National Guard and Reserve units. Reimbursement policies apply as discussed in paragraph 3−3e(1). (5) Civilian employees of the military departments whose duties require them to wear protective field masks. Reimbursement policies apply as discussed in paragraph 3−3e(2). (6) Any civilian employee of the military departments deploying to a combat zone. Reimbursement policies apply as discussed in paragraph 3−3e(2). (7) Contractors serving in contingency operations and/or accompanying U.S. troops on deployments under the provision of Service regulations. Reimbursement policies apply as discussed in paragraph 3−3e(2). b. Protective mask inserts (PMIs) will be provided for eligible personnel who meet any of the following criteria: (1) Unaided visual acuity in each eye is worse than 20/20 for military vehicle operators, flight personnel, and enlisted personnel with Profile I occupational requirements, and unaided binocular visual acuity worse than 20/40 for all other personnel. (2) Bifocal correction is required to perform assigned duties satisfactorily. (3) Medical or employment requirements necessitate wearing spectacle inserts although the binocular visual acuity is not worse than 20/40. When inserts are prescribed under this provision, the order will be approved by the prescribing doctor and include a statement of the condition requiring the inserts. (T-0) c. Spectacle inserts for authorized personnel required to wear industrial protective masks not referenced in this regulation will be procured by the Service member’s organization. (T-0) The inserts will be forwarded with the prescription form (Department of Defense (DD) Form 771 (Eyewear Prescription)) to the supporting OFE multivision optical laboratory for lens fabrication. (T-0)

2–7. Laser eye protection prescription devices Not all military laser eye protection (LEP) devices support refractive error correction. LEP prescription corrective devices will be ordered for all aircrew members who require refractive error correction. (T-0) LEP prescription corrective devices can be in the form of either prescription inserts or outserts and can be obtained by the optometry clinic through the Spectacle Request Transmission System (SRTS). Not all laboratories have the capability of making LEP prescription corrective devices. For additional details and availability contact your local lab or visit the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. For more information on the Air Force Aircrew LEP Program refer to AFI 48-123.

2–8. Lens material All eyewear issued to personnel as authorized in this regulation will be fabricated with CR-39 plastic lenses with the following exceptions: a. High index lenses are authorized if the total power is greater than or equal to +/-6.00 in any meridian. High index orders for other powers require a justification from the ordering clinician in the special comments section of DD Form 771 or SRTS order. b. Polycarbonate lenses can be ordered for total powers between +5.00 and -8.00 on single vision jobs and +/-5. on multifocal jobs. Orders for higher powers require coordination with the lab. (1) All MCEP/BPE inserts will be fabricated in polycarbonate and do not require coordination. (2) All other orders for polycarbonate require a justification from the ordering clinician in the special comments

section of DD Form 771. (T-0) Note: User input comments on DD Form 771 will not be used to change priority of orders. a. Urgent. Priorities 1 through 5 are considered urgent and will be processed as such, usually within 24 hours of the order being received at the lab. (1) Priority Code 1: Readiness (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code R). Refers to orders for those deploying within 30 days of the order. (2) Priority Code 2: Downed Pilot (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code P). A pilot who has a significant change in vision that will, without spectacles, result in immediate grounding and degrade combat readiness and effectiveness of the unit to which assigned, may be provided one pair of aviation clear spectacles on a priority basis. Note that this category applies to flight frames only. (3) Priority Code 3: Trainee (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code T). Spectacle and insert orders for personnel undergoing basic, recruit, ROTC, or Academy training. (4) Priority Code 4: Wounded Warrior (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code W). Used for eligible wounded personnel suffering from TBI. These patients are authorized specific lenses and frames as described in paragraph 3−4a(4). (5) Priority Code 5: Very important persons (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code V). Used for ranks O− and above. b. Routine. Priorities 6 and 7 are considered routine and apply to all orders not covered above. These orders will be fabricated as soon as possible at the lab. (1) Priority Code 6: Standard Issue (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code S). Standard issue frames are routine unless they are for Readiness, Trainees, Wounded Warriors or VIPs, as noted above. (2) Priority Code 7: Frame of Choice (Spectacle Request Transmission System Code F). FOC orders are always considered routine unless for Wounded Warriors or AD VIPs.

3–3. Ordering eyewear a. General. Standard spectacles will not be obtained at government expense from sources other than military ophthalmic laboratories except as provided elsewhere in this regulation. b. Use of the Spectacle Request Transmission System. The SRTS is the DOD standard for ordering optical devices. It is a standalone electronic ordering system used by the ordering clinics and the receiving optical labs. Clinics input and manage their optical orders through SRTS on the clinic end, while the optical labs receive the orders from the clinics on the lab end. In those labs with an electronic Lab Management System, SRTS interfaces directly with the Lab Management System to speed the order fabrication process. As SRTS is constantly evolving to meet the demands of both the clinics and the optical labs, the most current information – to include how to obtain and how to use SRTS – can be found in the SRTS section of the OFE Web site at http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. c. Remote ordering and instructions for preparation of DD Form 771. The DD Form 771 is the standard spectacle order form for the DOD. Most orders today are done using the SRTS, which will produce a completed DD Form 771 when an order is printed. Since some remote locations and facilities do not have access to SRTS, paper or electronic copies of DD Form 771 are still used and may be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed to the servicing lab. When a faxed DD Form 771 is received it is the receiving lab’s responsibility to enter the order data into the SRTS. Eligibility for remote ordering and instructions on how to fill out the DD Form 771 can be found on the OFE Web site at http://www.med. navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. d. G-Eyes. G-Eyes is a Web-based interface to the SRTS that is available to deployed military personnel in specific locations to allow them to directly reorder eyewear without having to travel to an MTF. Use of the system requires the following: (1) The user must have placed an order using SRTS within the last 4 years. Without this order in SRTS, no reorder will be available and the system cannot be used. (2) The user’s deployed mailing address (by Army orAir Force Post Office (APO)) must be in the approved use list at SRTS in order to submit the request for new optical devices. If the APO to which the order is to be sent is not an approved APO, the order will not be placed. The latest information on approved G-Eyes APOs, as well access to the G-Eyes System, are available on the OFE Web site http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ofe/Pages/default.aspx. e. Reimbursement charges for spectacle orders. (1) Charges for spectacles and spectacle inserts authorized for issue to National Guard and Reserve personnel on a reimbursable basis will be based on the cost of components and a nominal amount to cover breakage incurred in the fabrication process. Cost of coating lenses, if contracted out by the military ophthalmic laboratory, will be included in the charges. (2) Charges for spectacles issued under the authority of paragraph 1–6b will be based on the full-cost concept to include the cost of components and a nominal amount to cover breakage incurred in the fabrication process, supplies, civilian and military labor, and a pro rata share of base operating costs. When contractual costs are incurred by the military ophthalmic laboratory in issuing the spectacles such costs will be included in the charges. Charges will be

collected locally from the individual, except in the case of beneficiaries of the OWCP (see table 1–1, sec VI, category

22. and beneficiaries of the VA (see table 1–1, sec VI, category 21). (3) Charges for spectacle inserts issued to DOD civilian employees (see table 1–1, sec IV), and to employees of other Federal agencies when requested and authorized, will be based on the full-cost concept described in paragraph (2).

3–4. Issue of spectacles a. Number of standard spectacles to be issued. (1) Active duty personnel and RC personnel on AD for more than 30 consecutive days (other than for training under 10 USC 10147) who require spectacles will have two pairs in serviceable condition in addition to mask inserts as described in paragraph 2−6. If a Service member has been issued MCEP/BPE they will also be authorized the appropriate prescription insert for that item if a prescription is required. Note that Service-specific deployment issues are addressed in chapter 6. (a) Standard issue and FOC can be used to meet the two-pair requirement. (b) A pair of civilian spectacles with proper corrective lenses may be considered an asset toward fulfilling the two- pair requirement. Repair or replacement of these spectacles at Government expense is not authorized; however, standard issue replacement is authorized. (c) A pair of MCEP and/or BPE with prescription insert may be considered an asset toward fulfilling the two-pair requirement. (d) One pair of SI frames with N-15 tint, when requested, may be ordered in addition to the two-pair requirement. (e) Authorized aviation personnel will be issued aviation spectacles according to paragraph 2−4. (2) A replacement pair of standard issue spectacles/inserts can be ordered when one becomes unserviceable. (3) Retired military personnel, regardless of rank, who require vision correction, are authorized one pair of standard issue spectacles or one pair of half-eye spectacles. Two pairs of spectacles may be issued when professionally determined to be essential by the examining provider. Occupational-type spectacles, such as aviation, industrial safety, and mask insert, will not be issued by military ophthalmic laboratories for retired military personnel unless required for duties as a DOD civilian or contractor. (4) In addition to clear lenses, Wounded Warrior Service members with mild to severe TBI are authorized FOC sunglasses to include photochromic and progressive lenses. Photochromic lenses may be ordered clear or with a base tint. The prescribing doctor will determine which lens option or combination of options best meets the patient’s needs. (T-0) (5) The basis of issue for other eligible categories of personnel is listed in table 1–1. b. Individual’s personal property. Spectacles, including spectacle inserts for protective masks and ballistic eyewear, are custom made for the individual. As such, they are considered personal property and will accompany the individual upon transfer.

3–5. Notes on products and lens parameters a. The issuing of lenses only is not authorized. Laboratories will not accept mailing in of frames for lens fabrication. b. Lenses in increments of less than 0.25 diopter will not be issued. c. Photochromic lenses will not be issued except for Wounded Warriors with documented TBI. d. Loupes and similar magnifying devices can be special ordered. These orders must be coordinated with the fabricating lab and will require mailing of the loupe or magnifier to the lab in order for lenses to be fabricated. Note that for some items the lab may be unable to provide this service. e. Hearing aid spectacles will not be issued or fitted with lenses by ophthalmic laboratories. f. Bifocal adds of less than 0.75 diopters and trifocal near adds of less than 1.50 diopters will not be issued. g. Shooting glasses will not be issued. h. Reading glasses will not be issued in aviation frames or mask and/or ballistic inserts. When a reading prescription is required in these instances it will be ordered in the form of a bifocal or trifocal.

3–6. Delivery of spectacles a. Delivery of spectacles to the patient generally occurs in one of three options: (1) Spectacles are sent to the clinic after fabrication, checked into SRTS, and then the patient is notified that they are available for dispensing at the clinic. (2) Spectacles are sent to the clinic after fabrication, checked into SRTS, and then mailed to the patient. (3) Spectacles are mailed directly to the patient from the optical lab after fabrication. b. Options (1) and (2) are the most commonly used by the ordering clinics as determined by location, clinic and command preference, and patient needs. In both cases, orders are checked into SRTS when received by the clinic, thereby increasing accountability of spectacle orders. Option (3) is used mostly by the optical labs when filling individual orders submitted from remote or other locations that do not have SRTS.