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 VISION
USA
Qualified
Maryland families may now apply for a comprehensive vision
examination, reports the Maryland Optometric Association (MOA)
whose member doctors participate in the national VISION USA
program.
The
VISION USA project provides free eye exams to low-income individuals
and families who may not qualify for government aid or private
health-care assistance. Now a year-round program, the state
of Maryland has taken this a step further. With funding from
the MOA, the doctors are also able to provide complimentary
corrective eye-wear to any participant that requires it. To
receive these free vision services, individuals must:
-
Be working or part of a household with one member working
at least part time.
- Have
no insurance that covers eye examinations.
- Have
an income below an established level based on household
size.
- Have
not had an eye examination in the past 24 months.
- If
an individual or family is eligible they will be matched
with a volunteer doctor in their area.
Last
year more than 100 participating members of the MOA provided
over 400 low-income, working people in Maryland with free
and comprehensive eye examinations. Nine out of every 100
had eye health conditions and nearly three out of four needed
a new eyeglass prescription.
Dr.
Jeanette Bonsack, the statewide coordinator for VISION USA
said, "Good vision is important at any age. Unfortunately,
thousands of people are unable to get the care they need,
even though a family member works, because they are not eligible
for government support. Some also have eye health conditions
that could cause vision loss if left untreated."
VISION
USA is a 17-year-old program developed by doctors of optometry
who are members of the American Optometric Association. This
national, charitable program has served more than 340,000
low-income working Americans and hopes to serve many more
by accepting applications year-round. Interested persons may
apply by one of three methods:
Related
Links
Information on Infantsee
http://www.marylandeyes.com/infantsee.htm
Locate
an InfantSEE Doctor Near You
http://www.aoa.org/x5428.xml?filter=IS
MOA
in the Community
http://www.marylandeyes.com/community.htm
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