Peterson selected for Frames of Choice testing

Frame of Choice

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - More than 30 styles of frames are now available through late February at the Peterson Optometry Clinic. Peterson Air Force Base is one of 10 Air Force Bases participating in the test to determine which frames are most popular and could be added to an expanded selection. Active duty Airmen with prescriptions less than two years old and who have not used Frames of Choice in eight months are eligible to participate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dave Smith)

Frame of Choice

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Lt. Col. Melissa Simmons, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron optometry flight commander, and Staff Sgt. Dwain Tolbert, 21st AMDS optometry NCOIC, try out frames included in the Frames of Choice demand test. Peterson Air Force Base is one of 10 Air Force Bases participating in the test to determine which frames are most popular and might be added to an expanded selection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dave Smith)

Published Jan. 13, 2016
By Dave Smith
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For those who find the number of frame choices for military prescription eyewear somewhat limited, there is an opportunity for more options during a demand test running through late February.

Peterson Air Force Base is one of only 10 Air Force bases selected to participate in the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity test. The purpose of the exercise is to determine which frame styles are most popular. Peterson was selected because of the number of frames of choice ordered in the 2014-15 year. Other military installations are participating as well.

There are typically about 16 frames to choose from at the Peterson optometry office, but with the additional models during the test more than 30 frames are available to choose from, said Lt. Col. Melissa Simmons, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, optometry flight commander.

"Sizes are limited to the sizes on hand for the test," Simmons said. "The lab has a big stock of them, but during the test they are going for style rather than size."

Simmons thinks the test is timely. To her knowledge there has been no demand test for frames of choice before and adding more frames to choose from is a positive thing. After the demand test is completed Feb. 26, NOSTA will analyze the results to determine the most popular models. Once the results are in and approved, it will take several months for supplies to be stocked at necessary levels.

Active duty members who have not ordered a frame of choice within the last eight months, and who have a glasses prescription less than two years old are eligible to order new glasses. Orders can be made on a walk-in basis at the optometry clinic, located in the Peterson Clinic.

For more information call 556-1065 option 2.