NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeff Herndon with the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita let Hutch Post know about the direct schedule clinics for both vision and audiology that are available at the center.
"If you're in priority groups one through five, you are immediately eligible for eyeglasses," Herndon said. "All you've got to do is call our eye clinic. Our normal number is (316) 685-2221. I realize there's still some folks out there with landlines. If you don't want to incur a long-distance charge, our toll-free number is (888) 878-6881 and then you dial extension 57100. That will connect you with our eye clinic and you can schedule an exam."
If you have low vision, they can help with that, too.
"If you are suffering from a degenerative eye disease you can immediately get enrolled into that," Herndon said. "We've got a lot of great things to supplement those issues. They make an attachment for your eyeglasses where you walk up you point at a sign and it will read that sign to you. The device will also remember up to a hundred people."
If hearing is your issue, the VA can also help.
"If you're below the age of 40, they recommend that you get a hearing exam every two to three years," Herndon said. "If you're over the age of 40, every year. But the bottom line is if you've got tinnitus, ringing in your ears or things of that nature, schedule an appointment with our audiology clinic."
The numbers again are (316) 685-2221 or (888) 878-6881. The extension for audiology is 53041.