LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2013) – A national nonprofit organization is encouraging Kentuckians to visit eyecareamerica.org to connect the seniors in their lives with a free eye exam.
“Unfortunately, older Americans living on fixed incomes often let their health care fall by the wayside, and this group is affected the most by lack of care,” said Dr. Henry Kaplan, chair of ophthalmology for University of Louisville Physicians. “It is important to make sure that their eye health is not neglected. It can affect their quality of life, and there are diseases that can cause loss of sight that can be treated if caught early enough.”
Those interested should go to eyecareamerica.org to immediately see if they or someone they know qualifies for medical eye care for no out-of-pocket cost. Connecting friends and family members with an eye exam may be the most lasting gift you can give – the gift of sight.
Since 1985, 6,400 people have been helped by 103 ophthalmologists across Kentucky through EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The year-round program provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older and offers free educational materials. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 6,500 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S.
EyeCare America is designed for people who:
♦ Are age 65 and older
♦ Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
♦ Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
♦ Do not receive eye care services through an HMO or the VA
After filling out the information on the website, those eligible will receive a referral and be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist.
EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon, a global company offering eye care health products. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies
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