More than 40 million low-income, working people in the United States cannot afford the cost of routine eye care or the health insurance that covers it. As income earners, they don't qualify for government aid and private health-care assistance.
Now a year-round program, VISION USA can help these people by providing basic eye health and vision care services free of charge to the many uninsured low-income people and their families who have no other means of obtaining care.
VISION USA, started nationwide in 1991, is a program developed by doctors of optometry who are members of the American Optometric Association. Approximately 340,000 low income working Americans have benefited from free eye exams through VISION USA.
Eligibility
The program is open to children and adults of all ages who qualify. Here are the general eligibility requirements, although they may vary by state. To receive free services, individuals must:
- Have a job or live in a household where there is one working member;
- Have no vision insurance (this may include Medicare/Medicaid);
- Have income below an established level based on household size; and
- Not have had an eye exam within 2 years.
If an individual or family is eligible, they will be matched with a volunteer doctor of optometry who will provide a comprehensive eye exam at no charge. The doctors are donating their services and may be limited in some areas. Eyewear may also be provided at no cost or for a small fee/donation in some states. |
