Click Here to access our office online
.
To secure financial assistance to assess or treat an eye problem, you might contact one or more of the following programs:
1. Eye Care America - The National Eye Care Project, coordinated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) provides free and low-cost eye exams for U.S. citizens 65 and older who have not had access to an ophthalmologist in the past three years. Tel: 800-222-EYES (3937). Web: www.aao.org/public/pi/service/necp.html.
2. VISION USA, coordinated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), provides free eye care to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Screening for the program takes place only during January of each year, with exams provided later in the year. Tel: 800-766-4466.
3. Lions Clubs International provides financial assistance to individuals for eye care through local clubs. There are Lions Clubs in most localities and services vary from club to club. Check your telephone book for the telephone number and address of your local club or call the National Office at 630-571-5466.
4. Mission Cataract USA, coordinated by the Volunteer Eye Surgeons Association, is a program providing free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day, usually in May. Tel: 800-343-7265
5. Celebrate Sight: Do You Know Your Glaucoma Risk? coordinated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is a program offering free examinations and treatment for glaucoma to people who do not have medical insurance. Tel: 800-391-EYES (3937). Web: www.aao.org/public/glaucoma/gl_2001.html
6. The Medicine Program assists people to enroll in one or more of the many patient assistance programs that provide prescription medicine free-of-charge to those in need. Patients must meet the sponsor's criteria. The program is conducted in cooperation with the patient's doctor. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4182, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902-4182. Tel: 573-996-7300. E-Mail: help@themedicineprogram.com. Web: www.themedicineprogram.com
7. Sight for Students, a Vision Service Plan (VSP) program in partnership with The Entertainment Industry Foundation, provides eye exams and glasses to children 18 years and youger whose families cannot afford vision care. Tel: 888-290-4964. Web: www.sightforstudents.org/
8. Knights Templar Eye Foundation provides assistance for eye surgery for people who are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources. Mailing address: 5097 North Elston Avenue - Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60630-2460. Tel: 773-205-3838. E-Mail: ktef@knightstemplar.org. Web: www.knightstemplar.org/ktef
9. New Eyes for the Needy provides vouchers for the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses. Mailing Address: 549 Millburn Avenue, PO Box 332, Short Hills, NJ 07078-0332. Tel: 973-376-4903.
10. Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs 1999-2000, published by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, identifies company programs that provide prescription medications free-of-charge to physicians for their needy patients. A copyof the directory is available online at www.phrma.org/patients. Tel: 800-PMA-INFO (762-4636).
11. You may also contact a social worker at a local hospital or other community agency. Social workers often are knowledgeable about community resources that can help people facing financial and medical problems.
Back to our Medical Information page
Home I About Us I Assistive Technology I Bookstore I Contact Us I Coping Tips I Education I FAQ I Fundraising I Jobs I Library I Links I Medical I News I People I Press Releases I Services I Site Index I Volunteer Opportunities I Search I Talk To Office I