A lot of people need to see an eye doctor at one point or another. Whether they need glasses or not, there may be an issue that they need checked out. Seeing an eye doctor can be costly, but there are ways that you can get free or low cost eye care. Being able to use those resources to get the eye care you need can make a big difference.
On average it can cost you a couple of hundred dollars to visit an eye doctor and have exams done on your eyes. A lot of people don’t have the extra money to pay for something like that, but they still need the eye care. When that is the case it is still important to get your eye care taken care of. You just need to know where to look to be able to get the eye care for free or low cost.
Low Cost and Free Eye Care Options
Below you will find numerous options for programs and organizations you can contact to try and get the eye care you need without spending much or any money. Contact several of the resources until you find one that will help you with the service you need. There is no limit to how many places you can contact for help.
Medicaid – Those who have a low income may qualify for the federally funded program called Medicaid. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get free eye care. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. This program is available in every state and U.S. territory. To get more information and apply, click here.
Lions Club – This organization has chapters around the country. One of the big issues they take on is helping people to obtain free eye glasses. They take in glasses that people donate and no longer need, and they in turn use them to help others who need free glasses. Contact your local Lion’s Club chapter to see if they can help you obtain free glasses in your area, or if they can refer you to someone who can. They may have information regarding which doctors in your area will provide free or low cost services that they work with to distribute the free prescription glasses. To get more information about the programs they offer, click here.
National Council on Aging – Those who are older can reach out to the National Council on Aging or their local council on aging office to see if there are programs they can be referred to. The offices usually maintain lists of places they can refer people to for assistance. There are council on aging offices around the country and they are there to provide information and support to the aging population in that area. To get more information about the National Council on Aging, click here.
Eye Care Businesses – Contact eye care offices in your area and explain to them that you have a low income and need eye care. Many of the eye doctors will provide people service on a sliding scale fee if they have a low income. This will allow you to get the care you need and pay a smaller fee. There are also doctors who will provide the eye care for free to a certain number of people in the community. Call some of the doctors to see what type of programs they offer that can help someone to obtain eye care if they have a low income.
Health Department – There are health departments around the country. They are found in most cities or counties around the nation. They serve the people in the county or area with their healthcare needs. Those who receive the services at the health department are typically ones who have a low income. You can contact your local health department to see if you qualify for free eye care or if they can refer you to local resources that provide it. They should be able to help you with this situation.
VSP Vision Care – This organization helps people get free eye care and glasses. They will help adults and children to get the free eye care. This program is open to everyone around the country. You can apply for assistance through them online. To get more information and apply for assistance through their program, click here.
National Eye Institute – This is a government website that focuses on eye care. They provide a variety of resources to help people find the eye care they need, regardless of whether or not they can pay for it. To get more information about the places they refer people to for eye care, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is faith-based, but they don’t expect those they help to be religious. They help anyone in the community who needs assistance. They provide a range of programs to help those need. Contact one of the locations in your area to see if they can help with paying for eye care. To get more information and find a location in your area, click here.
  – Those who may have glaucoma and need eye care can see about getting payment assistance from this organization. They will help people play for their glaucoma eye care. Their program largely pays for the costs associated with surgery for glaucoma. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Additional Resources
Churches and local organizations are always going to be a good option when you need free or low cost care. Contact them to see if they can help with providing you with free or low cost eye care, or if they can provide a referral to a source that can. They have a great way of pulling together to help people in the community who need assistance. They often work with other organizations in the area to help provide people with the things they need.
