Financial Assistance for Those in Need With Eye Disease

According to the National Eye Institute, in 2004 there were 20,475,000 adults in the United States with cataracts, 1,749,000 with advanced age-related macular degeneration and 2,218,000 with glaucoma. There were 937,000 blind adults and 3,298,000 with some sort of visual impairment. There is financial assistance available for those in need with eye disease.

Social Security

• Social Security disability insurance, Supplemental Security Income, provides a monthly check for people who are unable to work for at least one year due to visual impairment or eye disease. Call 1-800-772-1213 for more information or to begin an application.

Medicare

• Medicare is a federal program that covers some medical costs for elderly and disabled people. It covers some eye care. For more information or to learn if you qualify, call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a state-administered program, that receives federal funding, available in all 50 states. Medicaid provides free or low cost medical care, including eye care, to qualified recipients. Recipients must meet certain income guidelines. Rules vary from state to state. For more information or to begin an application, contact the Medicaid office in your county.

EyeCare America

• EyeCare America provides free eye care to senior citizens in need, including those with diabetes and glaucoma. They also educate the public about eye disease in infants and children. For more information, call 1- 800-222-EYES (3937).

Lions Club International

• Lions Club International provides a program called SightFirst that offers services to those in need including cataract surgery, eye medication and other eye care services. For more information, call 1-630-468-6901.