In support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Sec. 721), we have established four Ocular Trauma Centers. These centers deliver a wide range of care for eye wounds and injuries. The centers offer:
- Trained personnel.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Advanced data research tools.
Patients also have access to specialized and subspeciality services. These are located where graduate medical education and residency training take place. This ensures care from trained medical teams. Our centers are referral hubs for service members, eligible veterans, and covered beneficiaries seeking:
- Full-scale eye testing.
- Treatment.
- Vision rehab services.
- Referrals.
These regional locations provide around-the-clock care. They are equipped to manage all eye injuries. The Centers are guided by the Defense Health Agency. They are also guided by Tri-Service Ophthalmology and Optometry Consultants. This helps them maintain full capabilities. It also helps them meet functional requirements.
Patient Treatment and Referrals
If you're a TRICARE beneficiary and get a referral to an Ocular Trauma Center, you'll follow TRICARE's referralgoes to TRICARE.mil process.
If you're a provider, you'll refer your patient to an OTC when their eye injury:
- Requires attention from a subspecialist not available at the referring location.
- Has significant complications.
- Requires attention from multiple specialties.
- Requires rehabilitation.
You don't refer your patient to an OTC for routine ophthalmology or optometry visits.
OTCs provide services to:
- Service members.
- Eligible beneficiaries, retirees, and veterans.
OTCs provide a centralized comprehensive quality assessment program for ocular trauma across the Military Health System. Our vision care services coordinators assist with the continuity of care and referral process for the patient.