South Texas Veterans Health Care System

Audie Murphy VA Optometry Review I recently had an experience with Audie Murphy VA Optometry that left me feeling disappointed and frustrated. Here's a detailed account of my visit: Due to long wait times for VA optometry appointments (around 70-80 days) and the fact that I live an hour and a half away from Audie Murphy Hospital and the Data Point Drive location, I was referred to a local in-network optometrist through Community Care. After my appointment, I was given my first prescription for glasses and instructed to hand-carry the prescription to 8410 Data Point Drive in San Antonio. The Experience Upon arrival, I noticed parking is extremely limited and tightly packed. It's a challenge to maneuver, and signs clearly state that they're not responsible for any damages or theft that might occur. Once inside, you take a number and wait to be seen. When it was finally my turn, I met with a staff member to review my prescription and pick out a pair of glasses. They offer VA-covered options and retail glasses, but I overheard someone mention that retail glasses are "on sale," starting at $73 (down from $102). However, this wasn't the main issue. Because I was seen by a Community Care optometrist and not directly by a VA optometrist, I was told I was not eligible for certain benefits, including auto-darkening lenses that are necessary for my VA-related medical condition. Despite my documented need, I was informed that only a VA optometrist could authorize such lenses, which means I would have to wait a full year until my next VA exam. This policy seems both restrictive and dismissive of veterans' unique needs. The staff I interacted with didn't seem to care much about the situation or my condition. They appeared more focused on their tasks than on providing empathetic care. While I'll end up with prescription glasses, they won't meet my medical needs, leaving me unable to wear them outdoors or in bright light--an issue that could have been avoided with better support and flexibility. The Facility The building itself was underwhelming. The space felt small and unkempt, with narrow, dingy hallways. Parking remains a significant issue, and the bathrooms are single-use and limited in number. The three floors house Optometry (fittings on the first floor, exams on the second) and Dental on the third floor. Overall, the facility lacks the professional and welcoming environment one would expect from a medical service provider for veterans. Pros: The process for selecting VA-covered glasses was straightforward. CONS; No way to call or contact them by phone, everything gets routed through call center. Staff members are NOT knowledgeable about their systems and policies. But will place blame on other areas of the chain of command. Parking is extremely limited and unsafe. The facility is outdated, cramped, and poorly maintained. Veterans seen through Community Care face restrictive policies, especially regarding medically necessary upgrades like auto-darkening lenses. Staff seemed indifferent, offering little empathy or support for veterans' needs. The wait times to see a VA optometrist directly are unreasonable, creating barriers to necessary care. Bottom Line The care and support at Audie Murphy VA Optometry feel lacking, both in terms of policies and individual interactions. While I understand the challenges of managing a large system, veterans deserve better. This facility falls short of providing the attentive, comprehensive care we have earned. If you have the option, I'd recommend exploring other solutions through Community Care or advocating for alternative resources to meet your needs.

I called just called to try and get some info and after over 2 minutes of the phone ringing, it just hung up on me. From all the other reviews, I guess it just isn't worth the effort to get my glasses from the VA

Data Point VA Optical where you order glasses needs a bigger area. Veterans sitting on floors, and waiting 4 and 5 hours to get their number called. Some Veterans are forced to sit on the walls outside building and cannot hear when number is called. This did cause an argument between customers, and with no security your going to have problems. I understand it is contract run, and offer their own frames and tints. You can find other places cheaper, so just get your VA pair. All the other services offered take time and Veterans who want just the VA pair must wait. They also are filling prescriptions for family members, which adds more wait time. VA must evaluate this place, it looks like a welfare distribution of eye glass program. Veterans deserve a nicer place, also the parking is bad, lower lot is a tough walk for Veterans in wheel chairs, canes, and braces on their legs. I will never order glasses from there again, I waited 4 hours. No food or drinks were available for purchase or covered shaded area outside. SGM (R)

Told a 100% VA disabled friend to go here to get glasses. She was told she had to have a VA prescription or pay extra $$ for glasses. What does it matter?? 100% is 100%!! This is supposed to be one of those benefits for our disabled veterans!!

The Opthomology clinic is now horrible. Used to have great service. Now they cancel appointments without informing you and all they can say is that their policy is that they send a letter and a phone call. Well, I didn't receive anything. When asked to talk to the manager, a rude female, who didn't repeat her name, said that there was nothing they can do and would have to send me outside the VA cause my doctor left. I mentioned how this was not a good way to treat veterans and she stated she was one. Well then, she should know how to speak professionally and compassionately to us and not down on us. She got upset at that remark and stated that she would report me and I would be banned from that clinic. I'm appalled by this and will gladly go else where since they seem to not care for the veterans they are treating. Guess we are just a number to them.

If I were able to give ZERO stars, I would!!! I have been calling and calling and calling and calling!!!! In the last week, I've called well over 20 times, and NOT ONCE has my call been answered. It just rings and rings! This is OUTRAGIOUS!!! You say you're here to serve the veterans, but I have yet to be served. I am disgusted by how the South Texas VA System has treated me. This is BLASPHEMY. Now I understand why my fellow brothers and sisters commit acts of such magnitude to gain some attention! DO BETTER!!!!

Wow!!! This eye clinic is ridiculous! How can filling an eyeglass prescription take over 2 MONTHS?? Just a word of advice for other veterans who need eye care...suck it up and pay out of your own pocket. I had to go purchase another pair of glasses and the prescription because I need them! The VA is already known for its slow and sometimes compassion less care but this is a new level for me. Never again will I come back to this clinic. *EVER*.

Got nice frames, prescription was right. Took a couple of weeks because it was December, but am very pleased. The gentleman that helped me was friendly and professional.