VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Optical Lens Fabrication System

In this report:

• What is the optical lens fabrication?
• What is the optical lens fabrication system?
• Why was the VA interested in optical lens fabrication?
• How did the VA investigate this topic?
• What did the VA find?
• How long do patients wait to receive glasses with this system?
• Are patients satisfied with the eyewear from this system?
• Who is eligible for eyewear through the VA?
• Are any other veterans eligible?

What is the optical lens fabrication?
Optical lens fabrication is a way of making lenses for eyeglasses.

What is the optical lens fabrication system?
The optical lens fabrication system is a machine from Optical Dynamics Corporation, called the Q-2100, that allows the VA to make quality prescription lenses at the hospital.

Why was the VA interested in optical lens fabrication?
The VA provides patients with high quality eyeglasses but needs to find ways to lower the cost of producing them. Currently veterans get their eyeglass prescriptions filled outside the VA, but one VA hospital in Washington DC purchased the Q-2100 system to fill prescriptions at the hospital at a lower cost. The VA needed to make sure the quality of eyewear from this system is comparable to the eyewear currently provided to veterans. To do this, the VA investigated the Q-2100 system and wrote a report.

How did the VA investigate this topic?
The VA reviewed the medical literature to determine if the Q-2100 system for making eyewear provided patients with quality eyeglass products. They also discussed with the Washington DC VA staff about their experience with the Q-2100 system.

What did the VA find?
The VA found that the optical lens fabrication system provides lower cost, high quality lenses that are comparable to those currently provided to veterans, and it can produce lenses for a majority of prescriptions.

How long do patients wait to receive glasses with this system?
The waiting time to fill eyeglass prescriptions is significantly less with the Q-2100 than with the current system. The VA can fill most eyewear prescriptions in one week or less. For hospital patients, the VA can fill requests in 1 to 2 hours.

Are patients satisfied with the eyewear from this system?
Patients are satisfied with the prescriptions and eyewear from this system.

Who is eligible for eyewear through the VA?
The Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 described eligibility criteria for eyeglasses. These criteria provide eye-related materials to any veteran a) with a 10% or more service-connected disability, b) receiving regular aid or is permanently housebound, c) receiving benefits on the basis of Title 38 U.S. Code 1151 and, d) any former prisoner of war.

Are any other veterans eligible?
Other veterans may be eligible if their eye problems were caused by: a) a medical condition that is being treated by the VA, or; b) resulted from treatment of that medical condition; or c) if the veteran needs eyeglasses in order to help with his/her medical treatment.

Websites with more information on this topic

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