The Seniors EyeCare Program provides medical and surgical eye care at no out-of-pocket expense to the elderly. Participants must be over 65, a citizen or legal resident who has not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years or belong to an HMO or receive eye care benefits through the VA.

The Seniors EyeCare Program ensures that every senior has access to medical eye care and promotes annual, dilated eye exams. It raises awareness about age-related eye disease, including cataracts, provides free eye care educational materials and facilitates access to eye care -- at no out-of-pocket expense for eligible seniors. Those eligible receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and treatment for any disease diagnosed at the time of the initial visit for up to one year at no out-of-pocket cost for the physician’s services. Medicare and any insurance the patient has will be billed and accepted as payment in full waiving co-pays and unmet deductibles. Uninsured will be seen at no cost.

People may visit www.eyecareamerica.org anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends, to take the online referral questionnaire to determine if they qualify for a referral from one of EyeCare America's 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists nationwide.

EXCLUDED: Eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services, fees of other medical professionals.

E-mail: pubserv@aao.org