Ophthalmology

Mission

Our ophthalmology service is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care to active-duty soldiers, retirees, and their beneficiaries. We have three comprehensive ophthalmologists and one cornea specialist. The eye care that we provide includes the medical, surgical, refractive surgery, trauma, cataract, glaucoma, screening for diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Screening Guidelines

In general, Optometry is the eye care center for non-surgical needs.  Ophthalmology appointments are usually made on a referral basis from either a PCM or through Optometry. 

Cataracts

Screenings for a cataract or following known cataracts should be performed during an optometry exam. Appointments can be scheduled through a referral from your PCM or optometrist. We provide cataract surgery free of charge and we use the latest intraocular lenses.

Diabetes

Screenings for Diabetic Retinopathy can be performed annually.

• Type 1: Patients with Type 1 diabetes should have annual screenings for diabetic retinopathy beginning five years after diagnosis.
• Type 2: Patients with Type 2 diabetes should have an exam at the time of diagnosis as a routine referral to ophthalmology and annual exams thereafter.

Glaucoma

Routine glaucoma screenings are usually done in the Optometry clinic.  Ophthalmology also routinely manages patients with glaucoma and has the latest equipment to monitor and treat this condition. We also have a close relationship with glaucoma surgeons outside the MTF for special needs.

Plaquenil

A baseline exam should be performed when starting the medication. We begin annual screening after five years of therapy for patients on typical doses without major risk factors.

Oculoplastics

Consults may be placed to WAMC ophthalmology for eyelid conditions to include (but not limited to): dermatochalasis, brow ptosis, lid ptosis, entropion/ectropion. We offer reconstructive surgeries for these conditions. A referral may be placed to an oculoplastics specialist if a more specialized approach is required. We also perform minor procedures for removal of eyelid lesions and chalazia. We also perform Botox injections for patients with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.

Refractive Surgery- ACTIVE DUTY ONLY
Consults and screenings are done in the Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Center located on the fifth floor of the inpatient tower on the Rock Merritt entrance side of the hospital. Click here to access the website and the packet. Please know that the packet must be completed and sent for review before scheduling. No referral is required.