What the VA actually offers
The VA does perform refractive surgery at a limited number of medical centers, generally through ophthalmology departments with the equipment and volume to support it. Eligibility is not automatic. In practice, refractive surgery through the VA is considered when it is medically indicated rather than for convenience: for example, contact lens intolerance that cannot be managed, anisometropia (a large difference between eyes) that glasses cannot correct comfortably, or a service-connected condition where refractive surgery is part of treatment. Elective LASIK to be rid of glasses is usually not covered, and wait times where it is available can be long.
This is different from active-duty programs, where the military has run large refractive surgery programs for operational reasons. Once you are a veteran, that access largely ends.
Foreign Medical Program (FMP): do not count on it for LASIK
The VA's Foreign Medical Program reimburses care abroad only for conditions the VA has rated as service-connected, and only for treatment of those conditions. Ordinary refractive error is not a service-connected disability, so FMP will not pay for elective LASIK in Colombia. If you have a service-connected eye condition, ask the FMP office in writing before assuming anything; a pre-treatment inquiry provides reasonable assurance, not a guarantee. The hub site covers FMP mechanics in veterans and medical tourism.
So most veterans pay cash
Which puts you in the same position as any uninsured US patient, comparing cash prices:
| Option | Both eyes, typical 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US national LASIK chain | USD 3,000-4,500 | Advertised "from $250 per eye" rarely applies; see why the ads mislead |
| US private practice, femtosecond + wavefront | USD 4,500-6,500 | Best US technology tier |
| Colombia, same technology tier | USD 1,700-2,600 | Plus flight and 4-6 nights, roughly USD 800-1,400 |
| Colombia EVO ICL (non-LASIK candidates) | USD 4,200-6,800 | vs USD 8,000-11,000 in the US |
Some US clinics offer veteran discounts of 10 to 20 percent; ask, and compare after the discount.
Why veterans are a good fit for Colombia specifically
- PRK history: many veterans had PRK on active duty. If you need a touch-up or have developed presbyopia, Colombian surgeons handle post-PRK enhancement and lens procedures routinely.
- Screening quality: Colombian clinics on the same platforms as the US (Alcon WaveLight, Zeiss VisuMax, Johnson & Johnson) run full tomography. Verify the platform; see technology parity.
- Follow-up at home: your VA optometry or ophthalmology clinic can perform routine post-op checks once you bring the operative report, since post-op care is standard eye care. Confirm with your clinic first; policies vary by facility.
Things to handle before you go
- Get your most recent VA eye exam records and any old military refractive surgery notes; they are gold for the Colombian consult.
- If you take medications that affect healing or dry eye (some antidepressants, isotretinoin history, certain blood pressure drugs), list them.
- Arrange a local eye doctor for the week-one and month-one visits.
- Verify the surgeon on ReTHUS and confirm the laser platform by name.
For the broader veterans picture including Canada-style wait-time arguments, see Surgery Wait Times.
Frequently asked questions
Will the VA pay for LASIK?
Rarely. It is generally limited to medically indicated cases such as severe contact lens intolerance or anisometropia, at select facilities, not for convenience.
Can I use the Foreign Medical Program for LASIK in Colombia?
No for ordinary refractive error. FMP covers only treatment of VA-rated service-connected conditions.
Will my VA eye clinic do my follow-up?
Often yes, since post-op checks are routine eye care, but confirm with your facility and bring the operative report.
Veteran comparing cash prices?
Send your prescription and any military eye surgery records. We will give you a straight comparison of Colombian options vs what you were quoted at home.
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