I recently underwent my first cataract surgery. The doc and the surgical center wanted their money up front before doing it, even though I was legally blind! I'm too young for medicare, but thankfully I have pretty good insurance through my pension. It's expensive but I think it'll pay for itself this year. However, it got me thinking, what do people do if they can't afford eye care? Or what if their copays are so high they can't do it?
So I did some research and have some programs listed here for help. I was stupid and went 20 years without an eye check up. Don't be like me. There are some eye diseases you might not even notice until it's too late. Even if you can't afford it, there are some programs out there to help. Read through them and see if there is one you are eligible for. And please if I have neglected any, add to the list. It might help someone doing a search on the forum. THANKS!!
EyeCare America is a public service program that provides comprehensive eye exams and eye care at no cost to eligible candidates age 65 or older and people at increased risk for glaucoma who qualify for the program for up to one year. Visit the EyeCare America’s website to see if you qualify for the program.
Telephone: 1-877-887-6327
Website: http://www.aao.org/eyecare-america/online-referral-center
VISION USA is a program that provides free eye care to eligible low-income and uninsured people. To apply you must work with a charitable organization, social worker, case worker, or community health agency to submit an application.
Telephone: 1-800-766-4466
Website: http://www.aoafoundation.org/vision-usa/
Lions Clubs International is a volunteer service organization with local clubs. A local Lions club in or near your community may sponsor a program that may help you buy eyeglasses or get eye care. (My late father in law belonged to this organization, and through the local chapter, they helped a lot of people pay for eye surgeries and other eye care without any cost to the recipient.)
To find a Lions club near you, visit the Club Locator https://directory.lionsclubs.org/?language=EN
Mission Cataract USA is a program that provides free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Visit the Mission Cataract USA’s website to apply and to find a participating eye care professional in your state.
Telephone: 559-797-1629
Website: http://missioncataractusa.org/
Eyeglasses
Prescription Drugs
Government Programs
So I did some research and have some programs listed here for help. I was stupid and went 20 years without an eye check up. Don't be like me. There are some eye diseases you might not even notice until it's too late. Even if you can't afford it, there are some programs out there to help. Read through them and see if there is one you are eligible for. And please if I have neglected any, add to the list. It might help someone doing a search on the forum. THANKS!!
EyeCare America is a public service program that provides comprehensive eye exams and eye care at no cost to eligible candidates age 65 or older and people at increased risk for glaucoma who qualify for the program for up to one year. Visit the EyeCare America’s website to see if you qualify for the program.
Telephone: 1-877-887-6327
Website: http://www.aao.org/eyecare-america/online-referral-center
VISION USA is a program that provides free eye care to eligible low-income and uninsured people. To apply you must work with a charitable organization, social worker, case worker, or community health agency to submit an application.
Telephone: 1-800-766-4466
Website: http://www.aoafoundation.org/vision-usa/
Lions Clubs International is a volunteer service organization with local clubs. A local Lions club in or near your community may sponsor a program that may help you buy eyeglasses or get eye care. (My late father in law belonged to this organization, and through the local chapter, they helped a lot of people pay for eye surgeries and other eye care without any cost to the recipient.)
To find a Lions club near you, visit the Club Locator https://directory.lionsclubs.org/?language=EN
Mission Cataract USA is a program that provides free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Visit the Mission Cataract USA’s website to apply and to find a participating eye care professional in your state.
Telephone: 559-797-1629
Website: http://missioncataractusa.org/
Eyeglasses
Sight for Students is a program by Vision Service Plan that provides free eye exams and eyeglasses to low income and uninsured children 18 years and younger that qualify for the program.Telephone: 1-888-290-4964Website: http://www.sightforstudents.orgNew Eyes provides vouchers to people who need to buy new prescription eyeglasses. Voucher applications are only available on the New Eyes website. Applications must be completed and submitted by a social service agency. Individuals will not have access to the portal.Telephone: 973-376-4903Website: http://www.new-eyes.org/
Prescription Drugs
NeedyMeds offers a database of free or at low cost medications for people who are uninsured or low income.
Telephone: 1-800-503-6897
Website: http://www.needymeds.org
Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a website that helps people find assistance via 475 public and private patient assistance programs. The program is funded by pharmaceutical companies.
Website: https://www.pparx.org
Patient Access Network Foundation helps with copayments for eligible uninsured and insured patients who need treatment for retinal vein occlusion, uveitis, macular diseases, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.
Telephone: 1-866-316-7263
Website: http://www.panfoundation.org
RX Assist provides information, resources, news and a directory of patient assistance programs that offer affordable or free medications.
Website: http://rxassist.org
Government Programs
Medicare Benefit for Eye Exams
For people with diabetes—People with Medicare who have diabetes can get a dilated eye exam for diabetic retinopathy. Your doctor will decide how often you need this exam.For people at risk for glaucoma—Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss. People at high risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes, family history of glaucoma, are African Americans age 50 or older or, are Hispanic Americans and 65 or older. Medicare will pay for an eye exam to check for glaucoma once every 12 months.Patients must pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible.
Telephone: 1-800-633-4227
Website: http://www.medicare.gov
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children, teens up to 19 year’s old, and other family members who qualify for the program. These programs may be called by different names in your state. To apply, visit your state’s Medicaid’s website.
Telephone: 1-877-543-7669
Website: http://www.insurekidsnow.gov
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010 to put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms. To make health care more affordable, accessible, and of a higher quality for everyone including people who were previously uninsured and people who had insurance but it didn’t provide them acceptable coverage and security. People who are eligible can apply for health coverage during open enrollment.
Telephone: 1-800-508-6754
Website: https://www.healthcare.gov/
