To my fellow SMs with glasses: I just graduated AIT. When I get to my unit, will there be a variety of glasses to choose from?

2020-07-25T13:22:34-04:00

If I am stuck with BCGs I would like to know. Also, if there is a variety, are prescription sunglasses something that vision will issue me?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2020 1:27 PM

2020-07-25T13:27:12-04:00

You’re lucky the Army went to the metal frame BCGs, when I came in the Army had the light brown plastic frame ones that really were birth control.

Once you get to your unit you are able to get two new pair of issue glasses and choose one civilian pair from a range of modest styles. Nothing fancy or expensive, just normal styles. You're authorized to pick up a new set of those every year.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jul 25 at 2020 10:20 PM

2020-07-25T22:20:14-04:00

First off - the new BCGs are not that bad. I had to wear the pair I got in the last couple years when I dropped my glasses and then stepped on them. Way better than the ones even in 2004.

When you get to your duty station and if you need new glasses, yes there are several different frame options to choose from. When I first came in there was maybe 2. Now there's several.

It depends on the base you're at. One time I got prescription sunglasses. I think I was at the Air Force base though...yes. When I was at Offutt I asked about prescription sunglasses. The tech said they usually only issued it out for people who had a certain job but since I had such a strong prescription she said she'd put in an order for me. That's the only place I've gotten prescription sunglasses.

They also do a contact lens exam for you. The Army won't issue contacts, but they will test your eyes to write down the prescription to take in and get contacts on your own that you pay for - if that's an interest. I think they give a trial pair but that's it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 27 at 2020 4:09 PM

2020-07-27T16:09:26-04:00

Yes you can get new frames but the selection is limited but an improvement from BCG's.