Costs can be a barrier to proper eye care, but various programs offer free or low-cost eye exams and other resources. Are you qualified?
Most people rely on their vision every day and look to our health. For diabetic patients, annual dilated eye examinations are particularly necessary to capture early signs of eye disease. However, eye care can be expensive. Diabetic adults report that associated costs or insurance shortages are part of the main reasons they have not received eye care in the past year. Costs could prohibit people with diabetes from receiving critical care, but there are plenty of programs that offer free or low-cost eye tests and glasses. Given the added financial burden that so many people face as a result of Covid-19, we have created a list of resources designed to help people with diabetes and to help those experiencing vision loss.
Note: To qualify for many of these resources, you or your family must meet certain criteria. Each organization has different requirements – we did our best to lay out – but be sure to check each website!
1. Eye Care America
EyeCare America offers medical eye examinations to qualified US people, often at no out-of-pocket costs. EyeCare America includes two major programs: Seniors program and glaucoma program.
- The Senior Program connects people age 65 and over with local volunteer ophthalmologists who offer free eye tests and provides up to one year of follow-up care when diagnosed. To qualify, you must:
- Become a US citizen or legal resident
- Does not belong to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Insurance Plan or has the advantages of Veterans (VA) Eye Care
- I haven’t had eye examinations from an ophthalmologist in the past three years
- The Glaucoma Program offers free glaucoma testing to uninsured individuals. If you have insurance, you may request an appointment through the program, but you are responsible for joint payments. To qualify, you must:
- Become a US citizen or legal resident
- Neither belongs to HMO and does not benefit from VA eye care.
- I haven’t had my eye tested for the past 12 months
- It increases the risk of glaucoma. This is if you have diabetes, you have a family history of glaucoma, African American, over 50 years old, or Hispanic, over 65 years old.
Anyone can use the EyeCare America Drug Discount Card in English or Spanish, regardless of their insurance coverage or income level. Unfortunately, EyeCare America does not cover services such as glasses and surgical procedures.
2. Lions Club International
Lions Club International provides access and support for eye care in terms of the purchase of glasses for people considered low-income. The nonprofit also offers classes and services to people with visual impairments and limited vision. Lions Club presents many of these vision programs through OneSight Eye Care Centers across the US and around the world. Lions Club International also offers a limited number of vouchers for free glasses and offers mobile eye care services for children. You can find your local Lions club here.
3. VSP Eyes of Hope
Through VSP Global, Eyes of Hope offers eye care and gift vouchers for glasses to children, adults and those affected by disaster. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the distribution of new certificates is currently suspended.
- for Children: Student Vision Gift Certificates provide free eye care and prescription glasses to people under the age of 19 from local optometrists. To qualify, children must earn family incomes of less than twice the federal poverty level on the size of their family and are not eligible for care through VSPs in the past 12 months. To get a gift certificate, parents can find a local partner here.
- For adults: Adults who are less than twice the federal poverty level and have not received care from the VSP program in the past year are eligible for a voucher. Mobile Eye Care Clinic is also available to people, but has been suspended until 2021 due to Covid-19.
- for People affected by disaster: If you are affected by natural disasters (such as fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.), need glasses and eye care, and don’t have vision insurance, you can qualify for a VSP gift certificate. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter.
4. Medicare
Medicare Part B covers annual dilated eye examinations for people over the age of 65 with diabetes. An expanded eye examination is extremely important for monitoring vision in people with diabetes. Medicare does not offer free routine eye exams or glasses. At Medicare, you pay 20% of your Medicare approved amount and a deductible portion. Co-payments are also required if you are receiving care in a hospital outpatient setting.
5. nesight
OneSight is an independent nonprofit organization that provides eye exams and glasses to people and establishes permanent vision centers around the United States. Here, people can take the free online vision exam. This online exam does not replace face-to-face visits with eye care professionals, but can provide useful vision information.
6. New eyes
New Eyes offers prescription glasses to children and adults who are less than 2.5 times the federal government’s poverty guidelines. You can sign up with the help of a clinician or social worker and use your voucher on the new Eyes website. To qualify, you have met financial requirements within the past two years, have not received any other charity or government resources that have taken an eye exam or paid for your glasses. Those who have been financially affected by Covid-19 can apply directly here (without the help of social workers and other health advocates).
7. Mission cataract
Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery per day per year to people of all ages who are not covered by insurance and are not eligible for Medicare, Medicaid or other forms of government assistance. Cataracts can cause your eye lenses to cloudiness, making your vision blur or vibrant. Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
8. Operating vision
The Operations Site is another group that offers free cataract surgery to US citizens and permanent residents. To qualify, it must be less than twice the federal poverty level and be uninsured or underinsured (this indicates that the insurance does not cover cataract surgery). If you receive Medicare Part B, you are not eligible. A formal cataract diagnosis is also required. Fill out this form to see if you are eligible.
9. Support Group for Loss of Eyes
If your vision, or your family’s vision, is harmful to diabetes-related eye diseases or other causes, you may consider joining a vision loss support group. VisionAware helps adults adapt to life with vision loss. Whether face to face or online, support groups can provide you with space to share your stories and concerns. It is also a space to learn from others who have similar experiences. Check out VisionAware’s featured support group. Check out the local chapter.
About Marie
Marie Tetz is a senior senior at a university prep school in Oakland, California. She is an eye care enthusiast and has worn prescription glasses for the past decade. In college, Marie plans to double her major in English and biochemistry on Medtrack in advance.
About Kira
Kira Wang graduated from Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University, and graduated from Psychology degree and minors in biology and chemistry. At Duke, she wrote an advanced paper on coping strategies for chronically ill parents and young people, and studied retinal imaging techniques for over two and a half years at the Duke Eye Center. She is currently taking a gap year and is planning to go to medical school.
(TagStoTRASSLATE) Eye health
