Eye updates Published Sept. 13, 2007 By Master Sgt. David Ernst 932nd AMDF Scott AFB, Ill -- Attention all glasses and contact lens wearers! When was the last time you wore your gas mask spectacle inserts (GMI)? Do you know where they are? Do you need them to perform your duties in a chemical environment? Please take the time to ensure that you have GMIs in good repair that are made from your current glasses prescription. The 932nd Aerospace Medicine Flight (AMDF) Optometry Services team is available to take care of your military spectacle needs. What we are authorized to do: · Perform vision screening as part of the Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) process including visual acuities, color vision, stereopsis, intraocular pressure checks, and peripheral/central vision screening among others. Our services are for Air Force standards screening only and do not constitute a complete eye health examination. · Fit and order GMIs and S-9s (brown plastic military frame) for reservists. You will need to bring us either a current written prescription (less than one year old) or current glasses that we can read the prescription from for us to order your authorized spectacles. · Order 'Frame of Choice' glasses (more modern civilian-looking frames) for those on continuous AD orders (other than training) for 30+ days. You must bring us a copy of your AD order. · Spectacles are delivered directly to your unit for distribution. Please try on your spectacles to ensure proper fit and clear vision. Return to optometry services for fitting or discrepancies. What we are not authorized to do: · We are not authorized to perform complete eye examinations. You are highly encouraged to visit your private eye care professional for annual examinations. There is much more to eye health than just seeing clearly! · We are not authorized to treat eye conditions or offer glasses/drug prescriptions. · We are not authorized to write prescriptions for nor dispense contact lenses. · We cannot order glasses from a written prescription alone. We must see you in person to ensure you are fit with the appropriate size spectacles and to take necessary facial measurements. PLEASE NOTE: To ensure you have a good seal on your gas mask, remember to wear your gas mask inserts when you are undergoing periodic Quantifiable Fit Testing (QNFT). Inserts are different sizes and you won't be deploying with the sample frames provided by Bioenvironmental Engineering personnel during fit testing. This is also an excellent opportunity to confirm that the prescription in the inserts match your current glasses prescription. Attention Flyers! You are not authorized to wear contact lens while performing flying duties unless you are enrolled in the Air Force Soft Contact Lens Program through Optometry services. To be enrolled, you must wear only Air Force approved contact lenses, use approved lens solutions, and provide us with completed contact lens examination documentation from your civilian eye doctor prior to your annual PHA. Failure to enroll in the Soft Contact Lens program or failure to maintain standards while enrolled is cause for immediate DNIF status through the 932nd AMDF Flight Surgeon. Optometry Services is located in the Main Base Clinic (hospital) on the 5th floor. We are available on main UTA Saturdays from 0730-1500 without an appointment and Sundays by appointment. Please call Master Sgt. David Ernst or at 229-7404 with any questions.