To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

# HR 5593 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would expand the Veterans Community Care Program to cover eyeglass lens fittings as a medical service. Currently, the program allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to refer veterans to community healthcare providers for certain medical services when VA facilities cannot provide timely care. This bill would add eyeglass lens fittings to the list of services veterans could receive through community providers rather than only at VA facilities. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects veterans who need eyeglass prescriptions filled and fitted.

It could allow veterans who face long wait times at VA eye care clinics or live far from VA facilities to receive this service from private optometrists or eyeglass retailers more quickly and conveniently. **Current Status** HR 5593 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) in the 119th Congress. No additional details about the bill's progress or specific provisions are publicly available at this time.