The Best Things In Life Are Often Free--Including Eye Exams

(NAPSI)-Sometimes, "The Best Things in Life Are Free." To remind seniors that you can't put a price tag on love, friendship or the importance of eyesight, EyeCare America says those age 65 and older can call its Seniors EyeCare Program to see if they qualify for a free exam.

This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). To see if you, a loved one or a friend is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call (800) 222-EYES (3937). The program help line operates 24 hours a day, every day, year-round.

"Blindness and vision impairment have enormous personal, social and economic costs, limiting the activities of otherwise healthy and active people," said Richard P. Mills, M.D. "EyeCare America bridges the gap between the senior community and the quality eye care they need. By increasing awareness of eye disease and its risk factors and connecting more people with the exams and medical treatment, EyeCare America works to reduce preventable blindness in the U.S., thereby allowing our seniors to live more fulfilling and active lives."

EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates one of the largest programs of its kind in American medicine. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and care for any disease detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost.

The Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:

• Are U.S. citizens or legal residents

• Are age 65 and older

• Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years

• Do not belong to an HMO or the VA.

Volunteer physicians have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full, resulting in no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Individuals without insurance of any kind are seen at no charge. The program is designed for seniors without an ophthalmologist and is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.

Learn More

More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.