Changes for the worse in optometry.

[GP6971]

7. The VA Health Care System baffles me in many ways

and not bad.

I'm a recent entry in to the system. I started with the Choice Program 2 years ago and loved the care, but the management company sucked (out of pocket expenses over $200). So I opted out and am now in the VA system proper which overall, I'm very happy with.

I'm baffled because one day a package arrived from the VA. It was a pair of glasses. I didn't ask for them, didn't have a VA eye exam...they just showed up. I tried them on and I got dizzy...the prescription has to at least 20 years old. Where the heck did they get this prescription? They were bifocals and about 15 years ago I went to trifocals.

When I was in the Choice Program, my primary care DR recommended x-rays and physical therapy for a hip issue and I received a referral for both. Before I could schedule with a Choice provider, the VA called me and said they could handle it. Scheduling appointments was fast and efficient. That to me was very confusing as to how the different systems interfaced with each other.

Overall, my experience with the VA has been very positive. So far, preventive care has been great.