To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

House Bill

H.R. 5593

119th Congress

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 12, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Darren Soto

Representative

Democratic

FL-9

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary

This bill would allow veterans to get their eyeglass lenses fitted by non-Department of Veterans Affairs providers through the Veterans Community Care Program. This would give veterans more options and flexibility in getting their eyeglasses fitted.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would allow veterans to get their eyeglass lenses fitted by non-Department of Veterans Affairs providers through the Veterans Community Care Program. This would give veterans more options and flexibility in getting their eyeglasses fitted.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This bill makes tire articles ineligible to receive duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade program. </p><p>The GSP is a trade program that provides preferential duty-free treatment for certain products from designated beneficiary countries. Certain products are considered import-sensitive and are specifically prohibited from receiving GSP treatment. This bill specifically lists tire articles as import-sensitive and therefore ineligible to receive duty-free treatment under the GSP.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The bill would add 'services, fittings for eyeglass lenses' to the list of authorized medical services under the Veterans Community Care Program.
The Department of Veterans Affairs would have to establish policies and procedures to allow veterans to schedule appointments for eyeglass lens fittings with non-VA providers.
The VA would have to submit a report to Congress on the status of implementing this change, any challenges faced, and the benefits for veterans.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would positively impact veterans by giving them more options and convenience in getting their eyeglasses fitted. It could reduce wait times and travel burdens for veterans needing these services. The increased access could improve veterans' vision care and quality of life.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5593, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5593