Eye Care

National Eye Care campaign bridges the healthcare gap for senior communities

SAN FRANCISCO-- First, blurry... then, unrecognizable... finally, gone. That is what happens to the familiar faces of family and friends as many of our seniors are faced with failing vision. In fact, the number of Americans with age-related eye disease and the resulting vision impairment is expected to double by 2020 if nothing is done to reverse the trend.

"By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-limiting disease. Unfortunately, many believe poor vision is a natural part of the aging process," said Dick Mills, MD, an ophthalmologist.

The reality is frightening but there is a charitable organization called EyeCare America that connects our senior community with the eye care they need.

EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program, co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., offers eye exams and care to seniors who are without an ophthalmologist, often at no out-of-pocket cost. To see if you, a loved one or friends, 65 and older, are eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam call 1-800-222-EYES (3937). EyeCare America operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.

Never heard of this program? EyeCare America, a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, actually operates the largest public service program in American medicine. The country's seemingly best-kept secret boasts a variety of eye care programs including ones for seniors, glaucoma, and diabetes. Those eligible receive a referral to one of 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities across the country. Since 1986, the EyeCare America volunteers have treated more than 180,000 cases of eye disease.

"My new eyesight is a miracle, a gift from heaven! If it was not for EyeCare America, I probably would have never been able to have this surgery," shares recent EyeCare America patient, Sarah Polsfuss of Birmingham, Alabama.

The Seniors EyeCare Program provides a comprehensive eye exam and treatment for any condition detected in the initial visit for up to one year. More than ninety percent of these referral visits are often at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. What's the catch? There isn't one. In fact, volunteer physicians have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance as payment in full. Individuals without insurance of any kind are not billed.

So, give them a call. After all, seeing is believing ...