Seniors Eye Care Program

Without question it is the older folks amongst us that need eyecare services. The reason is most people with eye diseases such as cataracts,glaucoma and macular degeneration are seniors. It is exactly these individuals that struggle with the cost of eye care. Many seniors neglect their eye care and vision problems because they have low or fixed incomes or inadequate vision insurance.

There is a solution: the Seniors EyeCare Program, formerly known as National Eye Care Project (NECP). Under this program, if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident age 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in the last three years or more, and do not belong to an HMO or have Veterans' vision care, you can call a toll-free number for the name of a volunteer ophthalmologist in your area.

Because the participants aren’t evenly distributed across the country, it will probably be easier for applicants to find doctors in New York State (nearly 700 participating doctors) or Michigan (almost 300) than in New Mexico (14). And while the doctors will waive co-pays for visits and follow-ups, the program won’t pay for eyeglasses, prescriptions, or — if a patient needs surgery — the costs of a hospital or other doctors. (It does refer patients to local organizations, like the Lions Clubs, which maybe a able to help.)

Still, this program takes away one more excuse for not getting an eye exam. Find information and applications at eyecareamerica.org.

Posted in: Ophthalmology, optometry