It is no secret that seniors usually need some kind of eye care to continue seeing well. As we age, most of us find that our eyes don’t quite see as well as they once used to. Many people turn to reading glasses first, and may progress later to prescription strength glasses at some point. The good news is that for those living on a fixed income, there are programs providing free eye care for seniors.
It’s estimated that around 92% of seniors on Medicare in the country use eyeglasses. For those on a fixed income, they may not have the extra funds to pay for eye doctor visits and to pay for glasses. This is why it is important to know about the programs that will help ensure that seniors keep seeing, by helping them to get the free eye care that they need.
Considering eye care is essential for ensuring that seniors can continue seeing, they need to know where to turn if they are having difficulty paying for it. Living on a fixed income may not provide seniors with the additional funds to pay for eye care. In addition to paying for doctors’ visits and glasses, some seniors may need prescription medications and treatment procedures for their eye care, including those related to glaucoma. Rather than forgo getting the help, seniors should seek assistance.
Programs to Contact for Free Eye care for Seniors
Check with the programs below to see if you qualify so that you can get free eye care. If you don’t qualify for the programs these places offer, ask them if they can refer you to a program that will be able to help you with getting free eye care.
211 – The United Way has created a program that refers people to local programs that can help with their unique situation. Those in need can call this number to get assistance with most things, including locating free eye care programs in their area. They will search their database to find programs that can be of assistance. The 211 referral program is free and open to everyone in the country. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program is a healthcare plan provided by the federal government. It pays for most types of healthcare for those who apply. It will cover the costs associated with eye care for those who are approved for the program. The program is for those who are under the age of 65 and have a low income. You also have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen to be approved. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program as long as you meet the requirements for it. To get more information and apply for Medicaid, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, in that it is a healthcare program provided by the federal government and that it helps pay for most types of healthcare for those who qualify. Where it differs from that program is in who qualifies for it. For Medicare, you have to be 65 and up and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Plus, there are no low income requirements for this program. It’s open to everyone, regardless of their income. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance through this program. Once approved for it, you can make an eye care appointment and use it to help pay for any costs. To get more information and apply, click here.
Lions Club – The Lions Club has locations around the country. They are an organization that helps people obtain glasses for free. They will also help with paying for eye exams. Each year, they help people of all ages with their eye care. To get more information and find a Lions Club near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This charity has many locations around the country and helps people with a wide variety of needs. Contact your local office to see if they can help with free eye care. To find a location near you, click here.
Council on Aging – Contact your local Council on Aging office for a referral to a program providing free eye care. They tend to maintain a list of places and programs to refer seniors to who live in the area. They will know about programs that can assist you with getting a free eye exam, as well as obtaining free eyeglasses.
Veteran’s Affairs (VA) – Seniors who are veterans can contact their local VA office to get inquire about free eye care. They will be able to give you information and provide you with the eye care that is paid for by the federal government. To find a VA offices near you, click here.
Your Local Pharmacy – Check with your pharmacist to see if they know of free eye care programs in the area. Many will be able to refer people to such programs in the community. They know about many different types of programs that will assist people with their healthcare needs, including for eye care.
Colleges with Optometry Programs – If there colleges near you that have optometry schools be sure to check with them about free eye care. They may provide it to the community, giving the students a way to get experience. Their work is overseen by the professors, so you still get good healthcare.
Churches – These are always going to be good resources in the community that seniors can turn to for assistance with anything they need. Churches are located in abundance all over the country. They have a mission of helping people in the community and will often do things to help those in need. Contact your local churches to see if they can help with providing free eye care. They may be able to help pay for the eye care services, or refer you to a local program that can help. You don’t have to be a member of the church to contact them and get assistance from them. Part of the Christian mission is to help people who need assistance, so their doors are open to everyone in need.