A free eye exam can be an invaluable tool for detecting potential medical issues and promoting eye health. An eye exam conducted by an ophthalmologist in a private clinic or doctor's office will usually cost more, but will provide a higher level of care and examination. With our Buy 1 Get 1 FREE in-store promotion, your eye exam is completely free if you purchase two pairs of glasses. The exam is designed to assess the health of the front of the eye, where cataracts and dry eye syndrome may develop.
It will also look for early signs of serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. To apply for Eyes of Hope, you'll need the help of a school nurse or a community partner organization. Health insurance plans may also cover the cost of eye care for conditions like cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma. If you need financial assistance for evaluating or treating an eye problem, the following programs may be able to help.
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the federal government's lead agency for vision research that leads to treatments that save vision and plays a key role in reducing visual impairment and blindness. Some health insurance plans offer free eye exams and may also cover the cost of other eye care services. These evaluations are done by an ophthalmologist, and they may detect problems that a regular eye exam won't. Before visiting the ophthalmologist, it's important to find out if your health insurance plan covers a full eye exam.
In the US, the VA will cover routine eye exams and preventive tests (such as glaucoma tests). However, regular eye exams are recommended at all ages to assess visual clarity and detect certain health risks. Keep in mind that you'll need to apply for these programs, and many have specific requirements such as having a low income or an increased risk of certain eye diseases. EyeCare America provides free comprehensive eye exams and up to one year of care for people over 65 and those at increased risk of glaucoma. Children qualify for the program if they had an eye exam that found an issue or if they show signs of vision problems.
