EyeCare Volunteer Ophthalmologist Exams Patient
For 25 years, EyeCare America has bridged 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.
San Francisco, CA (Vocus) March 31, 2010
Spring… a time of change, but don’t worry if you don’t have the change to spare for an eye exam. EyeCare America is springing for eye exams this season! From April 1 – May 30, people age 65 and older can call to determine if they qualify for a referral to one of EyeCare America’s 7,000 ophthalmologists across the US. Those found eligible will receive an eye exam at no cost and up to one year of care for any condition diagnosed during their initial visit.
To see if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937). The EyeCare America 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, MD. “For 25 years, EyeCare America has bridged 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 ECA volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program provides a comprehensive eye exam and care for any condition detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no out-of-pocket cost.
EyeCare America is designed for people who:
- Are US 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
For a referral, those interested may call the toll-free help line 1.800.222.EYES (3937). The help line operates all day, every day, year-round.
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.
EyeCare America encourages all seniors to have their eyes examined annually.
The Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for seniors without an ophthalmologist and is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
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 860,000 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: http://www.eyecareamerica.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves, Director of EyeCare America Communications – 415.561.8518, aneves(at)aao(dot)org
NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images and b-roll as well as interviews with EyeCare America spokespeople, physicians and patients available upon request.
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