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Seniors 65+ May Qualify
for Free Eye Exams
Sept. 29, 2003 - By age 65, one in three Americans has some form of
vision-threatening eye disease, but many people do not know it. They
may also not know they qualify for a free eye exam.
The
Seniors EyeCare Program (SEP) helps to ensure that all
eligible seniors have access to medical eye care and promotes annual,
dilated eye exams. SEP raises awareness about age-related eye disease,
including cataracts, provides
free
eye care educational materials and facilitates access to eye care.
Excluded are eyeglasses, prescription drugs, hospital services, fees
of other medical professionals.
Some may
not know they are at risk for certain eye conditions while others may
not recognize telltale signs. Additionally, some eye diseases and
disorders show no symptoms until vision has been affected.
Many eye conditions are preventable or curable provided they are
detected early, so poor eyesight does not necessarily have to be a
natural part of the aging process. Regular medical eye examinations
are critical in their detection. The
American Academy of Ophthalmology generally recommends medical eye
exams every year for people 65 and older with no known risk factors.
High-risk individuals have special needs and should see an
ophthalmologist more often.
People 65 and older in need of medical eye care may call the
EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program to see if they qualify for
eye care by a volunteer ophthalmologist at
no out-of-pocket expense.
Volunteers across the country provide a complete medical eye
examination and up to one year of treatment for any condition
diagnosed at the initial exam.
For more information on eye health, visit
EyeCareAmerica.
People
eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive,
medical eye exam and up to one year of treatmentat
no out-of-pocket expensefor any condition
diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept
Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full.
The
Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
>
Are US citizens or legal residents
>
Are age 65 and older
>
Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
>
Do not have eye care insurance through an HMO or the VA
To
determine if you, a family member or friend qualify for a SEP referral
call
800.222.EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
This
program is co-sponsored by the
Knights Templar Eye
Foundation, Inc.
and endorsed by state ophthalmological
societies. |
