Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

VCE banner image
Skip subpage navigation

Vision Research

We work to improve eye injury care for military members and veterans. Our efforts improve care and coordination, which are essential for maintaining service member and veteran vision health.

VCE Leadership in Vision Research

We're dedicated to improving eye care for service members and veterans. We make a difference by:

  • Identifying and prioritizing vision research. We focus on what matters most in vision research
  • Collaborating with partners. We team up with others to put this research into action
  • Providing input on research priorities. We share our insights with DOD and VA to shape research directions

Our work helps prevent eye injuries and improves care by:

  • Enhancing screening. Making sure early detection is top-notch
  • Improving diagnosis. Getting to the bottom of eye issues faster
  • Enhancing treatment. Using the latest methods to treat eye problems
  • Better management. Helping manage eye conditions effectively
  • Rehabilitation of eye injuries. Supporting recovery from eye injuries and improving vision overall

Vision Research Prioritization Initiatives

Together with our partners, we tackle important health needs.

Clinical Support Tools

We, along with DOD and VA experts, have created a series of Clinical Support Tools for primary and specialty care providers. These can be found on our Provider Resource page.

Fact Sheets

Quick reference guides on important topics

Pocket Cards

Handy, portable reference cards for easy access to key information.

This panel is the nation’s primary funder of vision injury research. We rank research proposals for Congressional funding that will:

  • Speed up research on eye injuries
  • Address vision problems caused by military exposure
  • Develop solutions for eye injury and vision dysfunction for:
    • Standard of care and support in unique and challenging environments
    • Continuous medical support over long periods

We partner with the DOD and the VA on these types of activities.

  • Research collaboration - We collaborate with DOD and VA to tackle health issues. Our partnership involves specific agreements and approvals.
  • VA/DOD Collaboration Guidebook - We helped create the VA/DOD Collaboration Guidebook for Healthcare Research. This guidebook helps researchers understand and join VA/DOD partnerships. It provides:
    • Tips for finding and teaming up with researchers who share similar interests
    • Resources to plan and carry out joint projects effectively
  • VA/DOD Vision Research Project - We work with the DOD and VA on:
    • Studying data on eye problems in depth
    • Testing out new ways to screen and diagnose eye diseases
    • Exploring how to use advanced technology to analyze eye care information

Working with the DOD and VA helps us find better ways to care for our service members and veterans.

We support the Telemedicine and Advances Technology Research Program with military-focused research on:

  • Visual problems after concussions or brain injuries
  • Protecting against environmental dangers
  • Adapting how eyes react to injury and disease
  • Restoring eyesight and vision
  • Using tele-robotics and simulation
  • Improving refractive surgery techniques
  • Educating and training others in eye care

Data at Work

We use data to drive what we do. Vision research plays a crucial role in military medicine, helping us enhance eye care treatment.

  • We make sure everyone has access to vision data that informs better care
  • We lend a hand with research, making sure our eye care, research, and academic communities have the support they need
  • We work closely with eye care professionals, researchers, and academics to continuously improve our approach

Together, we are making strides in eye care for our military and veterans.

Case definitions

When it comes to finding vision-related health issues, we rely on case definitions. These definitions help us gather correct data that is essential for better care. Here is how we use them:

  • Case definitions offer clear guidance for eye doctors, helping them offer the best health advice
  • They help in making informed decisions about treatment and care
  • By using these definitions, our medical teams are well-prepared to manage any vision-related challenges

Recognizing eye problems early on is crucial:

  • Early detection leads to better results in treating eye conditions
  • It enhances the overall quality of life for our service members and veterans
  • Keeping our personnel healthy and their vision sharp is vital for supporting readiness across all operation

VCE Residency Research Partnership Program

Why do we need evidence-based medicine?

In the fast-paced world of medicine, staying current is key. Here’s why evidence-based medicine is crucial for us.

  • We question established ideas and challenge what we know to find better solutions
  • We evaluate both old and new information to ensure we are using best practices
  • We're committed to stopping harmful practices and outdated methods to improve patient care
  • We focus on distinguishing between what is scientifically proven and what is not to make informed decisions
  • We're mindful of biases that can influence medical decisions and strive for impartiality

We're also committed to:

  • Ongoing training and education to stay at the forefront of medical advancements
  • Continuous scientific research to discover better treatments and approaches
  • Finding the most effective and beneficial options for our patients, keeping costs in mind

The goal of the VCE Residency Research Partnership Program

We support DOD and VA medical professionals during their residency to help with their clinical research. We help by:

  • Offering mentorship for working with clinical data
  • Developing research topics and methods
  • Providing ongoing support throughout residency

Our experienced team provides:

  • Practical steps and personalized advice for each project
  • Resources to help residents conduct successful research

With mentors, strong administrative support, and a solid research structure, we work to ensure research projects are successful. Contact usEmail the VCE if you have questions or if you'd like more information about the VCE Residency Research Partnership Program.

Last Updated: September 12, 2024
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery