We're AF and it's time to update our overseas "wishes" again. Chievres, Belgium and Livorno (Camp Darby) Italy are the 2 choices that I have questions about.

Mainly, how are the DoD base schools? My daughter will be in either kindergarten or 1st grade.

And, how is the optometry clinics on base? My daughter wears glasses and has some pretty serious eye issues. So, we need a GOOD optometry clinic. Had anyone experienced a referral off-base for eye-care in either location?

Any advice on the above mentioned concerns would be greatly appreciated.

Also, any general inputs on the either base would be nice too!

We were stationed in Belgium at SHAPE, which is down the road from Chievres. No kids, so I can't help with the school questions. However, there is only a clinic on base, no hospital, so they do not have a lot of medical people.

We stopped at Camp Darby when we were on a cruise. Tiny base. Do they even have a clinic?

Unless it is a major base with a hospital there will not be optometry there, all personnel and families can have to go to a local civilian provider. For an overseas location like this it might not be a guarantee that he will get it if your child has certain conditions which place here in a specific EFMP status. So overseas screening for there could be denied. If they do allow it most places will have decent doctors. Just like being in places in the US you do have to go to a civilian provider.

If you can get past the EFMP screening then I would say jump at either opportunity. Personally, I would take Livorno over Chievres but, then again, I speak Italian and don't speak French or Flemish.

Belgium will be colder than Livorno as it is quite a bit farther north. Livorno is also a seaport on the Med so that moderates the temperatures a bit also.

Either would be a great opportunity and I always say to expose children to other cultures to broaden their horizens.

We were in Stuttgart, Germany and travelled all over Europe in our 3 yrs there. Our DD was 18 mo when we got there and we had DS while there in the civilian hospital. I vote for Belgium. It is more central than Livorno. You can get to Paris, England, ski areas, Denmark, even Poland (shopping!), Czech republic, etc. all within a reasonable driving distance (2-7hrs).

As for the medical, our DS was born 4 mo premature and obviously had major medical issues. Even if the clinic on base is unable to care for your daughter's condition, there is medical care in town which would probably exceed the standard of care found in the states (my personal experience, don't mean to offend anyone!).

And the schools. Most OCONUS DODDS schools are good. Everyone's experience is different, but the education is good. The experience and interactions with locals and the international community in Belgium will definitely be a huge bonus for your child's upbringing.

Have Fun!! I'd pick Belgium!