JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense Joint Optometry Clinic will receive $372,000 for a joint venture that will add ophthalmology specialty services for Lowcountry veterans, service members, and DoD beneficiaries through the federal government's Joint Incentive Fund. The funds will also add new equipment to the clinic which opened earlier this year at Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station as a JIF project between the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Naval Health Clinic Charleston and 628th Medical Group.
"This funding approval from the Health Executive Council will provide much-needed specialty care for all our beneficiaries and will serve to strengthen the partnership between the VA and DoD," said Scott Isaacks, Ralph H. Johnson VAMC acting director.
The addition of ophthalmology services means patients who would have been sent to another clinic will now be able to receive that specialty care in the same location where their optometrist is located.
"This improves continuity of care and access for our Sailors, Airmen, veterans, retired service members and their families," said Capt. Kim Kenney-Gutshall, NHCC commanding officer. "It's a win all the way around."
The VA/DoD Joint Optometry Clinic is staffed by Ralph H. Johnson VAMC personnel. Through resource sharing agreements with NHCC and the 628th MG, veterans, retired, active duty and dependent patients can all be seen at one location. This is an effort on the part of the VA and DoD to provide patients with the very best in patient and family centered care.
The clinic is located in Bldg. 746, Pulaski St. at JB Charleston - WS and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Optometry Clinic at 794-6221.