RESOURCES LIST

The organizations and resources listed are available for your reference and use in assisting your patients. Most do not directly
provide services, but provide funding and/or coordination of services for agencies at national and local levels. They may have
information to refer individuals in financial need to organizations that may help. The organizations are not affiliated with
EyeCare America® or the American Academy of Ophthalmology nor does their inclusion imply endorsement of their goods or
services by EyeCare America. In like manner, EyeCare America has not solicited their endorsement.

Program Phone Number Web Site/E-Mail

Eldercare Locator (800) 677-1116 www.eldercare.gov
Provides information about community resources for seniors, such as financial, legal, transportation, and housing matters. The
caller must give the county, city or zip code of the older person requiring assistance and a brief description of the type of
assistance needed.

Free Health Clinics/Programs www.freeclinic.net www.uniteforsight.org/free_health_coverage.php

Websites that offer clinics and programs nationwide that provide free or discounted quality health care.

Hill-Burton Program (800) 638-0742 www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr

Many hospitals and other health care facilities received federal funds under this program to meet construction and/or
modernization needs. In return, these facilities are required to provide a specific amount of free or below cost health care to
persons unable to pay.

Medicare (800) 633-4227 www.medicare.gov

Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people age 65 or older, for certain people with disabilities who are
under 65, and people of any age with permanent kidney failure.

National Association. of Area Agencies on Aging (202) 296-8130 www.n4a.org

Represents all Area Agencies on Aging, addressing concerns of all older Americans in the U.S.

National Eye Institute (301) 496-5248 www.nei.nih.gov

The federal government’s principal agency for conducting and supporting vision research. Provides publications on eye diseases
and information on current eye research.

New Eyes for the Needy (973) 376-4903 www.neweyesfortheneedy.org

Provides vouchers for new eyeglasses for those with financial need with no other resources, public or private, to pay for glasses.
Program accepts applications from individuals or from social service agencies or health professionals who are able to document
financial needs of clients.

Office of Minority Resources (800) 444-6472 www.omhrc.gov

The mission is to improve the health of racial and ethnic populations through the development of effective health policies and
programs that help to eliminate disparities in health. Provides information on various health programs.

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief (866) 512-3861 www.copays.org

Provides co-payment assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify.

Prescription Medicine Assistance

Assists individuals of all ages nationwide with limited funds to pay for prescription medicine.
The Medicine Program (573) 996-7300 www.themedicineprogram.com
NeedyMeds, Inc. www.needymeds.com

Prevent Blindness America (800) 331-2020 www.preventblindness.org

Provides public and professional education, community/patient services, programs, & research.
Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org
Provides medical services for those in need. Local chapters may provide eye care assistance.
EyeCare America Resource List
Clinics
Many ophthalmologists volunteer their services at
local clinics or know of colleagues who do.
Current Primary Care Physician
Most physicians are familiar with local medical clinics
or services. They often have working relationships
with specialists and may be able to refer patients to a
colleague.
Current Ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.)
Discuss financial concerns with physicians. They may
provide options of payment plans or reduction of fees.
If ophthalmic medication is needed, physicians may
also apply to pharmaceutical assistance programs on
behalf of their patients.
Diabetic Patients
Insured individuals with diabetes may contact their
primary care physician. If physicians refer patients to
ophthalmologists (specialists), insurance providers
generally cover the standard cost of care. It is
recommended that people with diabetes have annual
eye exams. Discuss insurance information before
seeking treatment.
Information & Referral Services
To find local public services call 211 or visit
www.211.org.
Internet
Use the internet to find resources and information.
Type in exact or similar requests for your search. If
you do not have internet access or know how to go on-
line, ask friends or family with a computer or go to a
library. A librarian can provide assistance.
Library
Ask to see a community directory at any local library.
Directories are distributed to libraries for public
access. See the librarian for suggestions.
Local “Give the Gift of Sight” Program
Non-profit agencies and social service organizations
can apply on behalf of individuals in need of glasses
through the LensCrafters Foundation’s “Give the
Gift of Sight” Program. Children may also qualify
for vision screenings.
Local Lions Club website: www.lionsclubs.org
Local Lions Clubs may provide eyeglasses or
assistance for individuals with vision care needs.
They may also know of other local resources.
Local/State Department of Public Health
Some local public health programs provide
assistance to people who qualify.
Local/State Health and Human Services
These agencies administer programs for individuals
in financial need. Call for eligibility.
Medical Schools or Teaching Hospitals
Some medical schools offer ophthalmology
programs and services at reduced rates.
Physician Recommendations
Recommendations through family and friends may
be obtained. However, no medical assessments are
provided over the phone.
State Ophthalmological Societies
Some state ophthalmological societies may be able
to help locate such public services.
United Way www.unitedway.org
Invests in and activates the resources to make the
greatest possible impact in communities across
America. Call your local United Way to find local,
resources, services, and assistance.
Yellow Pages
Look for non-profit organizations under Social or
Community Service organizations.