Firsthand,
I am a veteran who was determined to be totally and permanently disabled - for life - based on the VA's evaluation back in 2021. So, it would seem that I would be able to take full advantage of all of their services with zero out-of-pocket costs involved.
On Friday, (October 27th, 2023), I did a walk-in visit to the optometry department (which is run by Miss Deborah), and I experienced what I can only describe as a "piss-poor" level of unprofessional (and impatient) treatment from the woman - who seemed more interested in telling what services I am no longer entitled to, because [according to her], not all VA Clinics offer veterans the same "free" services.
For instance, with my last prescription for [every day] glasses - while living in Las Vegas, Nevada - I was entitled to TRANSISTION lenses. However, she seemed all too eager to inform me that I would now - here in Georgia - have to pay out-of-pocket for the same type of added treatment for a new pair, and was also more laser-focused on the promotion of the "higher-end" frames (on display), in the small room, which she let me know were also available for their various out-of-pocket costs.
It seems as if the optical department in the Macon VA Clinic could do with an infusion of new (or additional), personnel who are capable of being more vet-friendly and caring when it comes to interacting with the vets - like myself - who are suffering from PTSD and can be triggered by her type of inpatient treatment. read more