Help With How to Get Eyeglasses for the Low-Income

Eyeglasses turn a fuzzy world into a clear world. Without glasses, many activities, such as driving and operating equipment, prove dangerous or difficult. Since Medicare and Medicaid rarely cover eye care, those without private vision insurance sometimes choose between blurry vision and high-cost eyeglasses. If you wish to purchase new eyeglasses, use one of the many prescription and eyeglass resources available to low-income individuals. If you need only new glasses and no prescription, purchase your glasses online.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit the official Vision USA website (see Resources). Click on the "Apply Online" link.

• 2

  Open the drop-down menu, under "Does Your State Accept Online Applications," and click on your appropriate state. If your state fails to appear on the application, Vision USA requires a paper application. Click on the "Download Application" link.

• 3

  Fill out the application. Include the number of people in your household, your yearly income and your personal information. If necessary, mail your application to Vision USA at:

  Vision USA

  243 North Lindbergh Blvd.

  St. Louis, MO 63141

  1-800-766-4466

• 4

  Visit an optometry school to obtain a low-cost eyeglass prescription, if you are not accepted by Vision USA. Alternatively, visit a low-cost eye care center such as Costco Optical or Sears Optical.

• 5

  Apply for low-cost or free glasses online. Sight for Students (see Resources) provides low-cost glasses to people under the age of 18. New Eyes for the Needy (see Resources) provides glasses vouchers for low-income individuals of all ages.

• 6

  Purchase your glasses online (see Resources), if you are unable to obtain free or low cost glasses.