Free eye exams offered to the uninsured

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., gradually steals sight, often without symptoms. Nearly 3 million people have glaucoma, but half don’t know it.

EyeCare America, the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers medical eye services through its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program. It promotes early detection and treatment, raises awareness of risk factors, provides free educational materials and facilitates access to a glaucoma eye examination.

The program is for U.S. citizens or legal residents who have not had an eye exam in 12 months or more and are at risk for glaucoma. They get an eye exam and treatment, if necessary. People with insurance will be billed. Uninsured patients get the care free. Call (800) 391-3937 to see if you are eligible for this service.

The eye care for the medically underserved comes from 7,500 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. Learn more at the Website www.eyecareamerica.org.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.