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  • Other Medical Services/Resources

    The organizations and resources listed are available for your reference. 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.

    AGS Cares
    AGS Cares is a public service program supported by the American Glaucoma Society Foundation that is dedicated to providing surgical glaucoma care at no cost to uninsured or underserved patients who qualify for such care.

    Benefits CheckUp - National Council on Aging
    There are over 2,500 benefit programs available nationwide. Find out what benefits may be available in your area: health care, financial, housing utilities, tax assistance and more.

    Eldercare Locator
    800-677-1116
    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.

    Hill-Burton Program 
    800-638-0742
    Many hospitals and other healthcare 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.

    Lions Club
    Local Lions Clubs may provide eyeglasses or assistance for individuals with vision care needs. They may also know of other local resources.

    Medicare 
    800-633-4227 
    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.

    Mission Cataract USA  
    559-797-1629 
    Offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who have no means to pay.

    National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 
    202-296-8130
    Represents all Area Agencies on Aging, addressing concerns of all older Americans in the U.S.

    National Eye Institute 
    301-496-5248
    The federal government’s principal agency for conducting and supporting vision research. Provides publications on eye diseases and information on current eye research.

    NeedyMeds, Inc.
    Provides resources for assistance with the cost of medicine.

    New Eyes glasses for those in need 
    973-376-4903
    Provides vouchers for new eyeglasses for those with financial need with no other resources, public or private, to pay for glasses. The program accepts applications from third parties such as social service agencies or health professionals who can document the financial needs of clients.

    Office of Minority Resources 
    800-444-6472 
    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
    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.

    Prevent Blindness  
    800-331-2020
    Provides public and professional education, community/patient services, programs, & research.

    Salvation Army 
    Provides medical services for those in need. Local chapters may provide eye care assistance. 

    State Ophthalmological Societies
    Some state ophthalmological societies may be able to help locate such public services.

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

    United Way
    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.

    Other resources: 

    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.

    Local/State Health and Human Services
    These agencies administer programs for individuals in financial need. Call for eligibility.

    Family and Friends
    May have recommendations. However, no medical assessments are provided over the phone.

    World Wide Web
    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 online, ask friends or family with a computer or go to a library.  A librarian can provide assistance.

    Your Local/State Department of Public Health
    Some local public health programs provide assistance to people who qualify.

    Your 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.