AAO supports service members with eye injuries

Washington, DC-The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) joined with the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) to pass legislation that would establish a Center of Excellence within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

The center would track, diagnose, treat, and assure follow-up for service members who have suffered eye injuries while serving in active duty.

Ophthalmologists in the DOD would be required to report surgeries or other procedures to the registry within 30 days. The original physician and any additional ophthalmologists to treat the patients would have access to this information.

More than 1,000 service members with combat eye trauma were evacuated from military operations overseas, with no official documentation or track of these injuries, resulting in transition problems, according to the AAO.