Medical Eye Exams for Eligible
Seniors for No Out-of-Pocket Cost!
Don't neglect your vision; read on to see if you are a candidate for free eye care from EyeCare America.
Who needs the most eye care? Seniors.
Why? Most people with serious eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration (AMD) are seniors.
So what's the problem? The cost of eye care.
Many seniors neglect their eye care and vision problems because they have low or fixed incomes or inadequate vision insurance.
There is a solution: EyeCare America — a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Under this program, if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident age 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in the last three years or more, and do not belong to an HMO or have veterans' vision care, you may be eligible for free eye care services.
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If you are eligible for the program, you can schedule a free comprehensive eye exam with a participating ophthalmologist in your area.
If eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, AMD or diabetic retinopathy are found, you also can receive free eye care for the condition for up to one year.
The program does not cover the cost of eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services or fees from other medical professionals.
Don't risk losing your vision! Get a medical eye exam right away.
Volunteer ophthalmologists will accept Medicare or other insurance as full payment, with no additional payment from you. If you don't have any insurance, the eye care is free.
The greatest benefit of the EyeCare America program is that it encourages financially disadvantaged seniors to take care of vision problems before they worsen.
Cataracts need to be monitored and eventually removed; glaucoma and ocular hypertension must be treated or monitored regularly. If not, these diseases often lead to low vision or blindness.
To find out more about the EyeCare America program and to see if you are eligible, visit www.EyeCareAmerica.org. 
The EyeCare America program (formerly known as the Seniors EyeCare Program and the National Eye Care Project) is a national non-profit organization that provides eye care services to medically underserved communities. The program was founded in 1985, and care is provided by approximately 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the United States and Puerto Rico. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, with additional support provided by Alcon.
About the Author: Gary Heiting, OD, is senior editor of AllAboutVision.com. Dr. Heiting has more than 25 years of experience as an eye care provider, health educator and consultant to the eyewear industry. His special interests include contact lenses, nutrition and preventive vision care. Connect with Dr. Heiting via Google+.
[Page updated December 2011]
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