Kress Vision Program
New York Downtown Hospital 170 William Street New York, New York 10038-2649 212-233-8483 http://www.downtownhospital.org/pages/3034/index.htm Services: Free vision screenings, free glasses, free prescriptions, free visits to ophthalmologist. Eligibility: for people who are uninsured, or haven't seen an eye doctor in over a year, or can't afford care. Program does not cover things like eye drops - only optometry services. Appointments: Schedule a month in advance. Runs every 3 weeks out of NY Downtown Cost: Free
New Eyes for the Needy
17 E. 102nd St, 5th floor (EHHOP OPTHALMOLOGY CLINIC)
Services: Provide vouchers to low-income individuals for free eyeglasses . Takes up to one month to process and typically covers only the cost of a basic pair of single or lined bifocal eyeglasses.
Eligibility: You must have had a recent eye exam, and have no other resources available to pay for glasses (from federal/state programs, or charitable organizations).
Cost: Free
To Apply: You should work with a social/case worker to submit an application. Link to the Voucher Application Form: http://neweyesfortheneedy.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Voucher-Application.pdf
Eligibility: recent eye exam, income below 200% the national poverty level, and no other resources available to pay for glasses (from federal/state programs, or charitable organizations)
Eye Exams and Surgery
EyeCare America, a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Provides comprehensive eye exams and care for up to one year, often at no out-of-pocket expense to eligible candidates age 65 or older. Its Glaucoma EyeCare Program provides a glaucoma eye exam. The EyeCare America Children’s EyeCare Program educates parents and primary care providers about the importance of early childhood (newborn through 36 months of age) eye care. Telephone: 1-877-887-6327. Website: http://eyecareamerica.org.
• VISION USA, coordinated by the American Optometric Association (AOA), provides free eye care to eligible uninsured, low-income workers and their families. Telephone: 1-800-766-4466. Website: http://www.aoa.org/visionusa.xml.
• Lions Clubs International is a service organization whose local club members are all volunteers. A local Lions club in or near your community may sponsor a program that may help you buy corrective eyewear or obtain eye health care. To find a Lions club near you, access the Club Locator http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/find-a-club.php.
• Mission Cataract USA, is a program providing free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no other means to pay. Surgeries are scheduled annually on one day. Website: http://www.missioncataractUSA.org. • InfantSEE® is a public health program designed to ensure early detection of eye conditions in babies. Member optometrists provide a comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants within the first year of life regardless of a family’s income or access to insurance coverage. Telephone: 1-888-396-3937. Website: http://www.infantsee.org.
Eyeglasses
• Sight for Students, is a Vision Service Plan (VSP) program that provides free eye exams and glasses to low income and uninsured children 18 years and younger that qualified for the program. Telephone: 1-888-290-4964. Website: http://www.sightforstudents.org. • New Eyes for the Needy provides vouchers for the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses. Website: http://www.neweyesfortheneedy.org.