Eye care for active-duty Airmen only Published Oct. 20, 2010 By 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Active duty people who need optometry appointments should schedule all routine examinations through one of the following methods: 1. The central appointment desk at 895-CARE (2273); 2. Or www.tricareonline.com. An annual or routine exam consists of spectacles or contact lens update, gradual vision changes and eye health evaluations, according to Technical Sgt. Damaris Quintiliani, optometry technician. The sergeant added, "If you experience sudden vision loss, eye pain, redness, have an urgent eye care concern, or if you are notified of a short-notice deployment tasking or other active duty issue, please call the optometry services element at 895-6579." If the technician is unavailable, Sergeant Quintiliani said to leave a detailed message. By directive, the sergeant pointed out, active duty personnel who require vision correction must have two pairs of glasses in serviceable condition and must have one pair of gas mask inserts. Optometry services hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday Friday. The clinic is closed for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Optometry can only provide care for active duty military. Other TRICARE beneficiaries must seek care downtown by civilian optometrists. If you have questions, call Master Sgt. Darrell Mayers at 895-6746.