EyeCare America Partners with the National Eye Institute during May’s Healthy Vision Month

San Francisco, CA (Vocus) May 10, 2010

EyeCare America 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. New research from the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) shows that Latinos have higher rates of visual impairment, blindness, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts than non-Hispanic whites. 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 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.

If you have an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.), make an appointment today. To see if you are eligible to be matched with a volunteer ophthalmologist though EyeCare America, visit their online referral center at http://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 program facilitates eye care for U.S. citizens or legal residents who are without an ophthalmologist and who do not belong to an HMO or do not have eye care coverage through the Veterans Administration. To be found eligible for the program an individual should fall into one of the two categories below.

•     Those who are age 65 or older and who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years may be eligible to receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists will waive co-payments, accepting Medicare and /or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full. Patients without insurance receive this care at no charge.
•     Those who are determined to be at increased risk for glaucoma (by age, race and family history) and have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more may be eligible to receive a free glaucoma eye exam if they are uninsured. Those with insurance will be billed for the exam and are responsible for any co-payments. The initiation of treatment is provided, if deemed necessary by the doctor during the exam.

Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.
About EyeCare America
Founded in 1985, EyeCare America, a 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’s public service programs provide 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 with no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. It is the largest program of its kind in American medicine. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1 million people.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves– 415.447.0385, aneves(at)aao(dot)org

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

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