Free eye exams
Medicare
Medicare does not cover free eye exams or free eyeglasses, however it does cover people who are at high risk for glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma, can have an annual eye exam to check for glaucoma. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's services
To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider.
- Other insurance you may have.
- How much your doctor charges.
- Where you get your test, item, or service.
InfantSEE
InfantSEE®, a public health program, managed by Optometry Cares® -The AOA Foundation, is designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an essential part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. Under this program, participating doctors of optometry provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age free of charge regardless of family income or access to insurance coverage.
Medicaid CHIP: Health Insurance
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a state and federal partnership that provides low-cost health insurance coverage for children in families who earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to purchase private health insurance coverage. Children enrolled in the program may be eligible for free eye exams.
CHIP covers:
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Vision care
- Laboratory and X-ray services
Free eyeglasses
VSP: Sight for Students
Sight for Students, VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificate programs ensure that adults and children in need, including those affected by disaster, have access to quality eye care and new glasses at no cost through a local VSP network doctor. We work closely with our national network of community partners to help identify and distribute gift certificates to those most in need.
Eligibility for Free eyeglasses:
- 19 years of age or younger
- Family income at or under 200% of Federal Poverty Level guidelines
- Haven't received care through a VSP program during the last 12 months
- No vision care coverage through a private insurer or government program
New Eyes
New Eyes is a non-profit that purchases new eyeglasses for poor children and adults in the United States. A New Eyes voucher is for individuals who have no other resources with which to obtain a basic pair eyeglasses. The organization also recycles donated glasses for distribution to indigent people in developing nations worldwide. New Eyes provides a basic pair of single or lined bifocal lenses.
Eligibility for Free eyeglasses:
- Be in financial need
- Have no other resources available to them to pay for glasses
- Have had a recent eye exam (within in the lst 24 months)
