EyeCare America Partners with National Eye Institute During May's Healthy Vision Month

National non-profit encourages scheduling an eye exam today!

San Francisco, CA (Vocus) May 6, 2009 -- EyeCare America (www.eyecareamerica.org) honors Healthy Vision Month in May by encouraging people to get an eye exam during this national campaign, in partnership with the National Eye Institute. A recent study by the National Eye Institute found that more than 11 million Americans have common vision problems. While this number may sound alarming, the good news is that common vision problems can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam and can often be corrected or treated.

Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure that can detect common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. Make sure your vision is the best it can be. Take action and call for an eye exam today. EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye care to medically underserved individuals through a pool of over 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities.

To see if you are eligible to be matched with a volunteer ophthalmologist, call EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program 800-222-EYES (3937), helpline operates 24/7, year round. For more information, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

Healthy vision can help keep you safe when you are driving behind the wheel, participating in sports, or taking part in recreational activities. It can also help to ensure that you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle well into your golden years.

Your eyes are an important part of your health. Take care of them so you can be confident you are seeing your best. Schedule an eye exam today.

The Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:

•    Are age 65 and older

•    Are US citizens or legal residents

•    Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years

•    Do not belong to an HMO or the VA

Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.

About EyeCare America

Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1 million people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves, Director of EyeCare America Communications - 415.561.8518

NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images and interviews with EyeCare America spokespeople, physicians and patients available upon request.

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